Tech goes for fourth game-opening TD
Greetings-
Sorry I haven’t had anything up . Friday’s kind of supposed to be my day off (not complaining) and I’ve got some projects I am trying to get to. (Anyone want to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Buckhead?)
Anyway, I hope you’ll accept this story about Georgia Tech’s streak of touchdowns on the first play of scrimmage as my blog for the day. It’s going in Saturday’s paper and will be up online before too long. Hopefully you also read a story posted Thursday about the Ramblin’ Wreck. (The newspaper’s style, I’ve learned, favors Wreck over Reck. My apologies to the Reck purists. I think history favors your spelling.) Another story should be coming up this afternoon about Paul Johnson’s practice of inserting three or four extra plays into the game plan designed to be momentum changers.
To put Georgia Tech’s first-play success into context, consider that Virginia Tech is the only other team in the ACC, SEC and Big 10 that has reached the end zone on its first play from scrimmage in any game this season, a combined 1-for-104.
The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, are 3-for-3. Tech will try to make it 4-for-4 against North Carolina Saturday. Tar Heels coach Everett Withers said he won’t be thinking about the streak. Defensive coordinator Art Kaufman said he wouldn’t approach it any differently than any other play. But Withers said he thought his players would be more heightened to avoid becoming the fourth consecutive victim.
“I don’t think you have to mention it” for them to be aware, Withers said.
The first score was a relative gimme, a 5-yard toss to A-back Orwin Smith after Tech had forced a turnover deep in Western Carolina territory. The second was designed with the intent to score, a 73-yard touchdown pass to A-back Tony Zenon against Middle Tennessee State. The third, a 95-yard run by Smith against Kansas that became the longest run from scrimmage in Tech history, was a good play call bolstered by superior execution.
“You always have an expectation (a play will break open),”coach Paul Johnson said. “Was I counting on it? No.”
Georgia Southern coach Jeff Monken, who was an assistant to Johnson for 13 years, thinks Johnson’s option-based spread offense might be more conducive to opening strikes. First, the offense has big-play capability and second, teams often aren’t prepared for the speed with which Tech runs it because it is difficult to simulate in practice.
It doesn’t hurt that Tech has home-run hitters like Smith, Zenon and wide receiver Stephen Hill.
“We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve hit some big plays,” Johnson said. “I think we all know that [streak] is probably coming to an end.”
Whatever the reason, it’s a curious and mind-boggling streak. Several FBS schools queried haven’t scored on the first play of a game in several years.
Asked Wednesday, Johnson said he already knew what play he was going to call first.
“You’ll be unimpressed,” he told reporters.
The more important opinion will be rendered by North Carolina’s defense.
What do you think? Does Tech go 4-for-4?
Thanks for reading. Please follow on Facebook and Twitter.
By Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech beat
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304 comments Add your comment
gtfanfrom1951
September 24th, 2011
7:10 am
Just win baby!!!!!!
gtfanfrom1951
September 24th, 2011
7:14 am
The tarheel nickmame comes from the civil war when a company from North Carolina refuse to be push back by the Yankees.
gtfanfrom1951
September 24th, 2011
7:22 am
Its a wonder that NAACP has not want to change that too.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
7:58 am
Fox Sports quotes NC coach Withers: “First you take away the dive…Then you take away the quarterback. Then you leverage the pitchman and take him away”.
Not sure what he means by leverage.
Maybe the concentrate on stooping the dive first and then move players to the outside.
Unless we really can beat the UNC defensive front (their strength), I’d think we would go light on the dive.
Seems to me they would want us to run it since that is what they want to stop first and have the best chance at stopping of our 4 options.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
8:01 am
Haven’t a lot of Braves fans been a pathetic group the last week?
A team that sticks together like this years Braves will find a way.
They’ll sweep the Nats and then all the whining will have been for naught.
Ought to have to own up to the whining with real names.
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
8:12 am
You guys ready for some football? Should be a good one and the end of the first play scoring streak and the obscene yardage you guys have grown to expect.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
8:16 am
I’ll bet if UNC wins the toss, they take the ball.
I hope our D has been upgraded from last year’s follow the receiver and make a tackle defense.
We either need to turn late in the route, find the ball, and knock it down or use a safety to play centerfield and knock it down or get a pick.
Like Tarrant did vs NC State.
Did he stick with any pro team?
If not, he should have stayed.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
8:18 am
Yea the cupcakes are out of the way for both of us.
Good for confidence building, especially if u have a young team.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
8:33 am
Maybe NC State got flustered on the road against Bearcats but Heels look to be the better of the two.
Jackets 2011
September 24th, 2011
8:35 am
@GTMan.
We didn’t need to run it again.
Better to hold it until needed.
Gaaaaaaaaaay Heeeeeeeeeeel
September 24th, 2011
8:35 am
Woke up feeling a scared TH? Note the change in tone the close we get to kick-off. This UGA won’t be back after the game… Except maybe to whine about chop blocks or game attendance. Tech 45, unc 3
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
8:37 am
maybe they’ll run a wildcat play first; anything to avoid the big DLs and get them tired chasing RBs
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
8:41 am
the first plays for whoever is on offense are immensely important in order to establish momentum, othwerwise before you know it you’re down by two tds
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
8:44 am
Tech usually runs to the outside, and this, I believe, will tire the big NFL prospect DLs down; also, recalling when NC had Julius Pepper, the NFL prospect DE, and Tech had no problem with him the entire game
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
8:51 am
or maybe his name was Julius Peppers; I think it was that last name…Peppers
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
8:55 am
I find it important to be impressed by first play for Tech, alma mater of ‘73. CPJ finds it to be unimpressing. And why?
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
9:05 am
CPJ said probably the home run streak of big plays is coming to an end. Why be a pessimist in life? Because of the law of averages? I say go for it Tech. Disregard what CPJ said, but continue to learn from him. Don’t forget the Cumberland blowout. That Kansas game t-shirt is not history, as the t-shirt advertizes, b/c of the stats put up during the Cumberland blowout.
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
9:11 am
additionally, a “Vintage” history t-shirt on the ramblinreckstore.com site would have a BD years yj w/the detailed long hanging legs and upswept wings, and would not have a “Buzz” as the yj; there was no “Buzz” when I was at Tech, when BD was AD…if A=B, and B=C, then A=C
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
9:16 am
Gaaaay Heeeeeeeeeeel you are a moron – Scared – hardly.
I’m just a fan that realized last night that many of the GT fans are immature overly sensitive.and resort to childish name calling if someone has a different opinion regarding their football team.
Beating GT is so sweet because so many of you GT fans are pathetic (being kind).
@ Gaaaaay Heeeel
September 24th, 2011
9:18 am
You could use a proof reader and spell check. I suspect you have never seen the inside of a college classroom.
Pays with honors and MSM
September 24th, 2011
9:25 am
Both from Tech.
You need some schooling?
5150 UOAD
September 24th, 2011
9:35 am
Heel. OK if that is what you think fine.
You are not a Heel fan you are a troll.
SEE you here after the game?
Supersize I might not make it to the Bus. Seems dad and I have to run an errand for mom before we leave for the game. I will see you in the stands if not at the bus.
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
9:36 am
Welcome back tar heel/dog fan, nice to see you’ve not lost any of your gall this early! You come in here and spout nonsense without anything to back it up, If you can remember back a few hours ago I asked you why you thought UNC would win? UNC has not been able to shut down this offense in the last 2 years and the team they are facing today is playing better and executing better than the previous 2 years. The team UNC is putting on the field today is very much the same as last year’s yet you’d have us believe they are better and will put athletes on the field that can stop the Tech offense. I welcome a discourse on the two teams and why you think UNC will win. If all you have is invective and b.s. please find somewhere else to spew it!
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:00 am
Ol’Fan I didn’t see your question (I seldom go back and read missed pages).
I think we will win because our defense is better. The team we will put on the field is not the same as last year – remember we had a few NCAA difficulties last year
Our D line is very good and I think we will force GT to use the pass (something we brought to college football) more than they desire.
GT appears to be a well oiled offensive machine but I think your big numbers are more a result of who you played rather than an indicator of what you have.
headley lamar
September 24th, 2011
10:06 am
GT appears to be a well oiled offensive machine but I think your big numbers are more a result of who you played rather than an indicator of what you have.
Exactly right.
If North Carolina is prepared for the gimmick offense they should do fine.
headley lamar
September 24th, 2011
10:09 am
Tech’s trickery a winning strategy
Paul Johnson may tweak this or add that to a play. So far, it’s resulted in wins for the Jackets.
But not against Georgia LOL
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:10 am
I also think our special teams are better…………………..
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:11 am
Tar Heel, interesting. In looking at the depth chart it seemed to me that a lot of the 2 deep is the same as last year’s team. I don’t argue the talent level at UNC is better than what Tech has faced so far this year. Yes, the numbers that Tech has put up has been against lesser competition but it also has not been duplicated by any other team this year. Do I expect Tech to put up their per game averages of 675 yards and 59 points? Not at all but neither do I think they will be shut down. All of our O line and backs were part of the game last year and they put up good number then.Also, theis is the defense’s 2nd year under GAG and so far they seem to be flying to the ball and playing their assignments well. If UNC wins I will say good game but I do think Tech will win for the 3rd year in a row
Go Jackets!
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:13 am
LOL Tar Heel, meet one of the true trolls in here, the mouthy one known as headley. It would rather come in here and spout nonsens that see it’s team (UGA) win.
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:14 am
Hey headly you better be careful – these GT fans are a bit sensitive. They are also very paranoid – everyone that has an opinion is labeled a Georgia fan / troll – what’s up with that?
I haven’t kept up with the GT / Georgia games for some time but I gather GT is on the short end.
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:14 am
On special teams, isn’t Connor Barth out today? If so that hurts your special teams
Techoptionfan
September 24th, 2011
10:16 am
I just hope that the option can neutralize those monsters that UNC has up front. If we can do that, we’ll be in great shape!
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:19 am
Ol’Fan I will likewise offer congrats to GT (if by some miracle
) they win. Vegas is a slight lean towards GT but I think that is more the home field advantage rather than pure talent match ups.
Hope all play well and avoid injury – and we score more points.
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:25 am
Connor Barth ? If you mean Casey then yes he has a groin / thigh injury. Time for our RFR kicker to step up.
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:25 am
@ Tar Heel, that’s why Satrudays are so much fun, the good competition and the chance to brag a little bit! Like you I hope everyone comes out of the game healthy but also that Tech goes 4-0, btw the line is 7-7.5 depending on the service
Go Jackets!
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:26 am
I knew it was one of the Barth brothers
It seems there are as many of them as the Colquitt brothers at UT!
headley lamar
September 24th, 2011
10:28 am
I haven’t kept up with the GT / Georgia games for some time but I gather GT is on the short end.
Thats putting it lightly
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:33 am
OMG headley actually posted something factual LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The earth will tilt on its axis!
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
10:33 am
Georgia dudes always come on here and say they run this state. Maybe so record wise, but the only thng is they don’t run this country. Tech has had more national championships than them.
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:34 am
Ol’Fan at my advanced age college football is more exciting than sex
– well almost.
What about the FSU / Clemson game. I have a feeling Clemson will win this one. FSU may have some QB issues.
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:39 am
LOL@ Tar Heel, sounds like we may be of the same age!
That’s going to be a fun matchup. FSU played their guts out against OK last week and Manuel got banged up and Clemson had a big day against Auburn. My question is has Clemson gotten to the point where they can win a big game. They’s had such a history of teasing their fans and falling on their face. I think FSU is better on D but can they muster enough offense? The matchup between Jimbo and Dabo (gotta love southern names) I think will be the deciding factor and in my opinion Jimbo is the better coach.
macrotech
September 24th, 2011
10:41 am
headley’s intellect….THAT’S putting it lightly! headley standing at a urinal….THAT’S putting it lightly! Remember, if pee comes out of it….it’s not a hair!
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
10:44 am
thing, not thng(in Fortran every digit counts, you may get one digit incorrect, plz give me more credit than you are, I not Georgia journalism grad, I Tech grad, there is no journalism major at Tech)
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
10:44 am
Yup I’m one of those surviving dinosaurs.
Clemson seems to fold their tent mid season every year.
WTF is a Dabo – LOL?
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
10:45 am
I typed you may NOT get one digit incorrect!
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
10:47 am
Tar heel, I’ve yet to figure out a Dabo.. Did you catch his post game interview last week? He was freaking hilarious! Bu then again Clemson hadn’t won a big game in a while so I guess a little excitement was warranted
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
10:47 am
defamation
threetrone
September 24th, 2011
10:51 am
ttt, tes tos te, created by yours truly
Taaaarr Heeeeelll
September 24th, 2011
11:01 am
Later guys – time to fire up the BGE and make some incredible poppers.
UNC 31 – GT 27
Ol'JacketFan
September 24th, 2011
11:03 am
Later Tar Heel, GT 35-UNC 24