Johnson plays ‘What if?’ with Nesbitt’s injury
I don’t know if you’re in the habit of reading the Dalton Daily Citizen, but if not, you probably missed a comment from Paul Johnson about the 2010 season. Johnson was up in Rocky Face near Chattanooga Tuesday night with AD Dan Radakovich, softball coach Sharon Perkins and play-by-play man Wes Durham for the north Georgia segment of the Tech spring caravan. This is part of Chris Whitfield’s report.
“If you want to be realistic, we were very disappointed,” Johnson said. “Truth be told, though, we were 5-3 on the road on a Thursday night in Blacksburg and what happens?”
Starting quarterback Joshua Nesbitt breaks his arm is what happens, and the Yellow Jackets won just one of their last five games, including losses to Georgia in the regular-season finale and a 14-7 loss to Air Force in the Independence Bowl.
“You never know,” Johnson said. “Do you win eight or nine games if your veteran quarterback is in there? We were in every ballgame and had 600 yards of offense against Georgia.”
While I somehow see the discussion headed for comments like, “Tech would have crushed Georgia if Nesbitt were healthy” and “Paul Johnson is an excuse-making crybaby,” I hope we can veer the discussion in a different direction.
Let’s go with Johnson’s implying that Tech could have gone 8-5 or 9-4. My question is, how much does Tech going 6-7 color your feelings about 2011? I get the sense that a lot of you all are a little leery about the season. Would you be more optimistic if Tech had done better with Nesbitt healthy, or would you feel the same way?
If you would feel more optimistic, the sort of ironic thing is that Tech in a way is better off for 2011 because of Nesbitt’s injury because of the experience Tevin Washington got.
Anyway, what do you think?
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145 comments Add your comment
What If
April 20th, 2011
9:16 pm
What if Vad Lee is a player?….
He is a player. That’s not even a “what if”. This kid is the real deal. Tevin and Synjyn don’t hold a candle to this kid when it comes to passing or scrambling.
Vad Lee reminds me of Tyrod Taylor. “You couldn’t catch him in a phone booth!”
Ron
April 20th, 2011
9:20 pm
I hope we get to see Vad Lee passing some balls on Grant Field after the game is over this weekend. I think after the first scrimmage, Vad was throwing some passes with his father on the field.
don draper
April 20th, 2011
9:40 pm
I dont recall anyone making excuses for us when we beat Tech in 2009 without AJ Green and several others – you just show up and play, unless you are Tech of course (then you blame the refs and whine about injuries).
Gary
April 20th, 2011
10:25 pm
Well obvioulsy had nesbitt played the ga game, it would have been a much different outcome. Those early failures of not getting first downs and fumbles late would have been averted. But who cares at this point
mtraininjax
April 20th, 2011
10:44 pm
Unless Johnson’s defense can stop anyone, who cares who is running the offense. The NC State game last year showed the problems with the D and we shall see if Groh has the players or if he got new ones from the Supermarket. Bottom line, Jaguars and NFL, if they play, are a better place for my dollars and rear end. 3 prime time games, I am staying in Jax until the GA game, where I attend every year, win or lose. So I hope tech can go undefeated this year, as always, but D is the key.
Old Tech Dude
April 20th, 2011
10:55 pm
So PJ thinks we win if JN doesn’t go down. What does that say about our chances next year with a QB that PJ thinks wasn’t up to the task. Sorry but I see a continuation of the slide back to mediocrity.
Concerned
April 20th, 2011
11:02 pm
These are generalizations…so I know there are exceptions.
Here is the problem with the Triple Option – which I believe is the best offense ever invented.
In this day and age, it is difficult to recruit to…
No big time lineman want to come because they won’t be prepared for the league.
No big time QB for the same reason.
No big time WR for the same reason.
Most big time RB’s will stay away because of sharing carries and not being able to show the league they can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Defensive issues because you will never be prepared to play an efficient passing offense.
Big time defensive players might be adverse to coming to Tech for the above reason.
Say what you want about Chan – and we all have – Tech seemed to be recruiting some big time players. I am not sure PJ can get some of the same caliber athletes as Chan.
So here is where I think we are…
Usually win 7-9 games with Chan and feel as if we underachieved due to our talent
or
Usually win 7-9 games with PJ and feel as if we overachieved due to our talent.
I know there are exceptions, but this is what it seems like to me.
what ifs are for non fans
April 20th, 2011
11:09 pm
all teams have injuries. good an great teams over come them. weak teams succomb to them.
we were a weak team last year and uga has been a weak team since mark richt took over.
GT fan...
April 20th, 2011
11:32 pm
The “experts” make predictions based on their opinions from a team’s record the prior season, and layout each game in the upcoming season as if it will be perfect weather, all players healthy, and NO turnovers.
TURNOVERS (and turnovers NOT recovered by your team), more times than not, play a big factor in the outcome of games. Just off the top of my head, the Clemson, GA, and Air Force games were lost b/c of TOs! Plan and simple.
And don’t forget 2 big TOs in the NCST & Miami games:
NCST blocks punt for TD, and 7-0 lead, this was right after Nesbitt misses a WIDE OPEN O.Smith on 3rd & 9 that would’ve gained 50+ yds…… then, GT driving vs. Miami to cut Miami lead to 21-17 when O. Smith fumbles on the 3 yd line. Miami makes a 97 yd drive to take 28-10 lead.
Dawg48
April 21st, 2011
12:01 am
I thought tevin did a good job being thrown into the fire like he was. You can what if all day long but that gets you no were. I like the option and when tech went to it it was hard for every one to stop it cause teams do not see it every week but now they have film and experience to game plan it which makes it easier to defend. I’m just wondering as much as tech runs the ball why don’t they go after big named running back recruits.
djack0062
April 21st, 2011
2:17 am
Since the topic is on Nesbitt…I don’t think he would have made that much of a difference in the record. He wasn’t the same…not sure what it was (missing 2 major weapons on offense, being called Joshua…who knows). He never seemed to provide the leadereship the team needed to “will” wins. I know he is not/was a very vocal young man but I just didn’t see the same Nesbitt from the previous seasons. I’m pretty sure the players know! Now since football is a team effort..they never seemed to “jell” all season. No one stepped up and provided the leadership needed to dominate lesser teams and play sound “ball” when the opponent was “better”….lack of team accountabiltiy. Watching Tech the last few years I have noticed a lack of consistant overall team toughness. Anyway after Nesbitt, Tech only got “beat” by one team (Miami)…the other losses we were still there until the final whistle..
Stinger 2
April 21st, 2011
4:15 am
Why are so many of you hyped up about Vad Lee who has never played one down of college football. He may have been a superstar in HS but he is totally unproven as a college player. CPJ needs to come up with a miracle for the 2011 season or we will continue to be mediocre. I am not a troll. I have been a Tech fan since 1952 and always will be but I am not a fan of the CPJ option offense.
dagtbuzzman
April 21st, 2011
4:56 am
It’s hard to believe that TECH would have had a losing season with Nesbit at the helm. Odds are that no matter what, we still would have found a way to lose to GA. Our bowl game record pretty much bites big time. You can take your pick on all the question marks : QB, B-back, Defense (anywhere), O-line.
All said, that’s why they call this the ” What If Game “.
Very Easy Math
April 21st, 2011
6:32 am
GT 2011 = Zero Passing Threat
Zero Passing Threat = ACC Defensive Coordinators’ Dream
ACC Defensive Coordinators’ Dream = Stopping GT Offense
Stopping GT Offense = GT Losing Season
LAKE OCONEE JACKET
April 21st, 2011
7:47 am
We don’t need to get into the coulda, shoulda, and what ifsss….It is what it is, and at the end it was ugly losing to the Air Force….
Cold Hard Truth
April 21st, 2011
8:13 am
Face it Tech fans, you had your fun with this bs offense. Johnson has been recruiting worse and worse players. You will be lucky to win 6 this year, and after you guys get tired of CPJ nobody is going to want that job because you have the roster of a Northwest Wyoming Community College. You guys are screwed for the next few years.
JOHN
April 21st, 2011
8:18 am
The bumblebees problem was on defense and will continue to be. Just like UGA last year they had no nose tackle. They still don’t have a nose tackle and CPJ, for all his genius (don’t believe me, just ask him) has had two very bad recruiting classes. There will be no help coming in for the bumblebees with this freshman class. CPL won with a really good Gailey recruiting class, that’s all over with. It will be downhill from now on.
GDBurdell
April 21st, 2011
8:27 am
OH YES I LOVE THIS. Look tek fans rationalize as hard as you like but, PJ has this team in a worse position than last year. Last year’s record was completely mediocre and then you lost to AIR FORCE.
Less than 6 wins. LES THAN 6 WINS prob like 3 to 4, just get used to that thought. Better watch out for tumble weeds in the stands of bobby dodd too.
If you remember, Nesbitt could throw…to guys who couldn’t catch, the backup could also throw but wasn’t as good at PJ’s “system” as Nesbitt was. Nesbitt or no, the record would have been the same.
I’m enjoying the all out destruction of tek’s fb team…will PJ bolt in mid season???
JD
April 21st, 2011
8:30 am
You will always have turnovers in high numbers with this offense. You will have 600 yards of offense. You must have a defense and some form of passing attach to win unless of course you have a super offensive line and keep the ball without turnovers. I am certain Tech’s time of possession is probably number one in the country unless Navy has more time of possession.
Very Easy Math
April 21st, 2011
8:53 am
To JD.
Again,
GT 2011 = Zero Passing Threat
Zero Passing Threat = ACC Defensive Coordinators’ Dream
ACC Defensive Coordinators’ Dream = Stopping GT Offense
Stopping GT Offense = GT Losing Season
Zero Passing Game
April 21st, 2011
9:20 am
GT fan base reaction to no passing threat and yet another losing season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee925OTFBCA&feature=related
2 field goals and a cloud of Bobo
April 21st, 2011
9:36 am
`
UGA fan base reaction to no coaching and yet another losing season.
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
9:43 am
It’s excuses like this that make me think about CPJ”s logic process….. First, we would have never CRUSHED UGA…. Period…. The fact that CPJ says we had 600 yards of offense is irrelevant! We lost the game because we had NO defense. We had NO defense the whole year. The defense was the bigger reason we went 6 and 7….. Our offensive system is the reason we are not going to get any better for the fuure. CPJ cannot recruit people to play for this system… There are exceptions, but overall coach has not recruited well…. For all you grape juice drinkers that continue to say that the offense is OK…. We LOST to AIRFORCE! The one time our defense does have a good day our vaunted offense lays an egg…. We are in a WORLD of trouble people….. Bill Lewis did a lot of damage to our program, but CPJ is going to put us under…. IMHO…
51WTGW50
April 21st, 2011
9:45 am
To ALL TECH FANS if you have a chance today get down to Juniors Grill. Today is the last day of operation. Juniors opened in 1948 so I know many of you have enjoyed a meal or 2 there.
BYE JUNIOR’S we loved you.
RJ
April 21st, 2011
9:51 am
Zero Passing Game. That video is hilarious.
SCJacket
April 21st, 2011
9:58 am
It is all a concern as we go foward now having lost the last of our highly respected players (Nesbitt/Allen). It is time for the next group to step up. Will they? Don’t know. Can they? Absolutely! Our defense has got to be better from this point foward for us to compete for the conference title. We can no longer afford to be bad on defense. I am still concerned about the D because we have a former B back switch to linebacker this spring and is already 1st team. That does not speak well for us.Our quarterback situation has got to be elevated. We need an outstanding talent at quarterback to come in and step up. We haven’t had that yet. Not even with Nesbitt did we have it. Tevin is slow with avg arm. He is just ok. Days and Lee are expected to be the future. Days spent the spring fumbling. Great. Lee hasnt taken a snap yet. Hmmm. Looks like an avg 2011-12 with a good home schedule to me.
Sean
April 21st, 2011
10:04 am
SCJacket:
I agree with you. Our offense would be unstoppable if we had a great QB. Nesbitt wasn’t that great and we still won the ACC in 2009. I’m convinced with Washington and Days we will struggle this year. The team has no confidence in Washington and you are right, Days cannot hold onto the ball.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 21st, 2011
10:04 am
Enter your comments here
WnE
April 21st, 2011
10:05 am
Coach Kung Fu Panda sounds like an excuse making putz, all BCS-level Colleges experience injuries during a season, it is CPJ’s friggin’ JOB to recruit talented players so he’ll have the depth to weather such storms that arise during a CFB Season.
I am amazed at the “free pass” that the majority of the GT Fanbase gives to CPJ given that he hasn’t won a Bowl Game and is only 1-2 vs. the WORST 3-yr. stretch of ug@ FB in the last 40yrs.
Basically CPJ hasn’t done enough to merit such leeway from the GT Fanbase, 6-7 vs. the 70th toughest schedule in all of CFB in 2010 does not impress me, and he has to replace 12-13 starters from last yrs. crappy Team, with his crappy recruiting the replacements in 2011 aren’t likely to be any better so 2011 looks to be a tough yr. for GT FB.
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
10:17 am
Sean,
Josh Nesbitt was a GREAT QB….. On average we will not recruit any better than this young man… Josh was a beast! Josh was a credit to GT….
Our offense will be unstoppable with a good QB is a LAUGH!
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 21st, 2011
10:18 am
John,
You don’t think that UGA has a NT this year. Bet I know about 85 players and coaches that would beg to differ with you there. We have two big old boys that no offense is going to run through. They are both athletic and strong, so you might want to reevaluate what you said. If Tech. had any one of these two, you would have a defense that is much improved that you need. UGA’s problems probably will not on defense if the safeties step up to the game. The LB’s are going to be pretty good this year for UGA, as they appear to be fast and hit with authority. With the D line and Linebackers UGA has, they are capable of making teams change their game stradegy. Now if we are talking O line, you may have a point. UGA has got to have some O linemen step up and start doing the job they should be capable of. Tech’s problems on defense are probably their size, against bigger players on the offense and also, their ability to stop the pass. I don’t think you will see Tech. put up 400 yards running on UGA’s defense this year. Having a passing option will be vital if you want to beat bigger team. Does tech. have the WR’s that can keep a defense honest or can they just continue to play tech. and win by stopping the running game and then producing the points against the defense?
Again ??
April 21st, 2011
10:32 am
Yo, WnE A-Hole
Why do you even care ??
T time
April 21st, 2011
10:39 am
w-n-e = chan gailey
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
10:41 am
T time,
Chan Gailey….. This may be Chan’s revenge… He is probably sitting back and laughing…
Sean
April 21st, 2011
10:49 am
gt4ever:
My definition of a great QB is someone on the level of a Cam Newton. I think Josh was good, but by no means was he great. His arm was strong but throwing accuracy left a lot to be desired.
Pull My Finger
April 21st, 2011
10:49 am
Buzz, if you can’t beat ‘em, you might as well cuss them……….LOL
T time
April 21st, 2011
10:59 am
gt4ever = uga poser
overwhelming majority of tech fans despised gailey. he had a lsoign mentality.
and it wasnt chan doing the recruiting. it was giff smith.
johnson has already proven he can do way more with players than gailey ever could.
tech will surprise on the upside in 2011. at least 8 wins and a win over uga.
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
11:06 am
Sean,
We will never be able to pay enough for a QB like Cam….
Josh came in and learned a new system. To his credit, he bought in and did an admirable job… Playing at this level, even at GT is quite an accomplishment… I will look at his stats and ask the question, is he great or not….? My answer would be that he is a GREAT QB… We did very well with Josh at the helm… We won the ACC Championship, even in a weak league is not easy to accomplish…. We still couldn’t beat UGA the last two years. We still haven’t won a bowl game….. What can I say…
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
11:08 am
T time,
I will bet that I have eaten more times at Junior’s than many…. Enough with the uga poser crap…. I am a bigger GT fan than most, but I just wont bury my head in the sand like some of you idiots…
Donezo
April 21st, 2011
11:17 am
I would have been concerned about this year despite last’s year’s debacle. I knew it was Josh’s last year and we would have a young guy filling BIG shoes. Josh maybe wasn’t the best QB, but he was what we needed and he had the biggest heart I’ve ever seen out of an athlete. He NEVER quit, and that is what made him great! I called that pass play call from miles away and was dreading it the whole way. It didn’t make sense, but I digress. CPJ wasn’t saying that Washington wasn’t up for the task, but that he had 0 experience heading into a tough part of the year. It was unfortunate. This is a new year and last year has no bearings on it, other than we do have a QB with at least some experience. CPJ wasn’t making excuses, rather he put the 6-7 year in perspective. UGA fans make excuses year after year after year. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
Burdell90
April 21st, 2011
11:30 am
Anyone that knows anything about football should realize one thing….
DEFENSE WINS GAMES…period. If they dont score, they dont win. 600 yards against the d bags in Athens and we dont win…sorry, it’s defense.
gt4ever
April 21st, 2011
11:38 am
Thanks Burdell90…..
Lee Reeves
April 21st, 2011
12:14 pm
Tevin Washington is a joke of a QB, there is no way that he can be our best option, IDC how muc experience he has he’s awful
BehindEnemyLines
April 21st, 2011
8:07 pm
The question is a reasonably interesting one. More optimistic? Maybe, although not by much. The reasons for concern with the program extend so far beyond QB play that I don’t think it would change my feelings significantly.
51WTGW50
April 22nd, 2011
10:46 am
Burdell
I think the FUMBLES in the RED ZONE were a HUGE factor too. UGA gave us the ball and we gave it right back. 2 Fumbles exchanged for 2 FGs(or TDs) and Tech wins. UGA would have been behind and the GREAT Murray would fold like he did all last year in the 4th qtr.