Georgia Tech staying on track
Greetings-
Finishing up the day. These are the notes that will go in the paper. I sat down with defensive end Jason Peters in the office of the great Dean Buchan (Georgia Tech’s sports PR maven) for an interview on a few different topics. Peters is a bright young man and shared some thoughts detailed here and others I’ll get to later in the week. Some observations and information from Paul Johnson and some stuff you’ve already read, probably. Enough blathering…
1. N.C. State will have enough incentive Saturday when it plays Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack are coming off a humbling loss last Thursday to Cincinnati, are trying to stay in the ACC Atlantic Division race, will be playing at home before a national TV audience and have an undefeated and ranked team coming to their home field.
“We’ll definitely have a bull’s-eye on our chest,” Georgia tech defensive end Jason Peters said. “But I also understand that we need to have a bull’s-eye on their chest.”
Peters, one of six senior starters on the team, wants to be sure that the Yellow Jackets don’t lose steam after starting the season with four consecutive wins, including Saturday’s win over North Carolina. Tech is ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press poll. N.C. State is 2-2 and 0-1 in the ACC.
“We have a chance to do something really special here, and they’re the next step in the road,” he said.
Another incentive for the Jackets is the opportunity to atone for their loss to N.C. State last year. Last September, Tech lost 45-28 – the most points the Jackets have given up in coach Paul Johnson’s four seasons – and allowed a season-high 527 yards. Defensive coordinator Al Groh said after the game that, of the 81 defensive snaps, he could only recall the team making three plays of significance. Peters said Monday that “a general lack of attention to detail” fouled up Tech in that game.
“Last year, we didn’t get it right, and this is our chance to do so,” he said.
(If you’re a Tech fan – and chances are, if you’re reading this, you are – that must be encouraging. Peters sounded a lot of the right notes, it seems like.)
Team honors
Three Tech players – guard Omoregie Uzzi, outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu and safety Isaiah Johnson – were named ACC offensive lineman, linebacker and defensive back of the week, respectively.
Uzzi had almost 20 knockdown blocks (almost a third of the team’s total) on Saturday in helping the Jackets run for 312 yards and not allow any sacks. Attaochu had a team-high nine tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a tipped pass that led to an interception. Johnson had his second interception of the season and seven tackles, tied for second on the team.
Coaches named wide receivers Tyler Melton and Stephen Hill the co-offensive players of the week, Attaochu the defensive player of the week and wide receiver Darren Waller special teams player of the week.
Hill caught six passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Waller recorded Tech’s first punt block since the 2008 season and Melton caught two passes for 12 yards and also contributed fierce downfield blocking.
“He’s done a really nice job blocking and playing hard,” Johnson said.
(It’s not every team where the wide receiver is named a co-player of the game after a two-catch game. Melton laid out a vicious block in the first quarter, I think, in which he kind of peeled back and put a North Carolina defender coming across the middle on his back.)
Injury report
Hill and B-back Preston Lyons did not practice Monday. Hill, who tweaked a leg muscle running a pass route Saturday, is expected back Tuesday. Johnson said he didn’t know if Lyons would be ready to play Saturday. Lyons sat out Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury.
(I wrote earlier today that Hill came back. I’m now not sure he did. I thought the kickoff return he ran back was after the drop, but it was before. Tech only had one series after that play, so I don’t know. That said, it looks like he’ll be fine.)
Changes coming
Johnson promised changes on the kickoff return team. Saturday, the Jackets failed to get their first three returns past the 19-yard line. Johnson said players on the unit weren’t executing their assignments. Johnson said he wasn’t sure if Orwin Smith would be replaced (Hill returned one kick), “but the rest of them cats back there are gone.”
(I am going to look into the numbers a little more. I wrote down the players on the return team Saturday, but, naturally, I can’t find those notes. “The rest of them cats” – he does have a way with language.)
Etc.
Milford Bennett, a member of Tech’s 1952 national championship team, died Thursday. Bennett earned two letters for Tech and was part of the 1952 team that went 12-0, won the SEC and was named national champion by the International News Service poll. He was 81. … Tech’s game against Maryland Oct. 8 has been set for a noon kickoff. It will be broadcast on ESPNU.
(RIP. My esteemed colleague Furman Bisher alerted my editor of Mr. Bennett’s passing, which was shared with me. He was part of a great team. The Jackets had four shutouts and only let one team score in double digits.)
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130 comments Add your comment
robinva
September 27th, 2011
8:12 am
To the guy who said Tech is boring and should play 21st century football. I suggest you root for Maryland with their snazzy “21st century” uniforms”. Or just get a video football game. The Tech offense is thrilling when everything is clicking. The biggest thrill however is a W when the game is over.
ME77
September 27th, 2011
8:24 am
i disagree with Smynabob; winning is not boring. i watched Pepper’s wishbone beat Notre Dame for homecoming in ‘76 without throwing one pass and it was great.
more facts on the ‘52 team: six players named to at least one All American team; the defense allowed fewer points over 11 games than Michigan State, the AP/UPI champ, allowed in 9 games; a pint-sized safety named Jake Rudolph saved the season with a solo tackle on the Alabama running back on the two yard line and Marilyn Monroe was on the cover of Life magazine in a gold Tech sweater with two Tech players
D21
September 27th, 2011
8:39 am
Thanks Ken. Wonderful job. Thanks Mr Bisher for getting info on Mr Bennett to Ken. My father was a freshman “Rat” in 1952. He is the reason I am a Tech man. God bless the Bennett family & friends.
I am excited about having #1 offense and #39 defense after 4 games. I always said if we could get a top 25 defense we might not ever lose with CPJs offense.
Brian
September 27th, 2011
8:51 am
Just need the pass d to actually cover recivers. Tired of watching some lame pass route and there’s 3 tech guys surrounding a receiver. Why is NO ONE on him to knock the pass down. Cover the players for god’s sake. And the linebackers gotta realize that when it’s a pass play, back up. I saw 2-3 passes over their heads where if they are back 2 feet, it’s a knock down or int.
wes
September 27th, 2011
8:57 am
Georgia Tech has “six senior starters”?
Who are they?
I count Roddy Jones and Melton (WR) on offense…
Then Logan Walls, Rashaad Reid, and Jason Peters on defense.
D21
September 27th, 2011
9:00 am
Brian Take a chill pill brother. Watch all 4 tapes and you will see that we are not getting beat on intermediate or long passes. It is like a D tryin to make CPJ go 80 yds without a big play. Chances are a penalty or turnover or hold for fg happens b4 a TD. Same thing we are doing on D brother. Check out stats. We are fine, we are growing up on D. Be patient and confident!!!!!!!!
wes
September 27th, 2011
9:03 am
It’s Sylvester…nevermind.
D21
September 27th, 2011
9:08 am
So Wes, what you think about 15 returning starters?????????????????????
D21
September 27th, 2011
9:10 am
My bad, 16. My dad went to Tech, not me!!!!!!!!!!!
Birmingham Jacket
September 27th, 2011
9:11 am
Could be a trap game.
JM
September 27th, 2011
9:25 am
Prayers for the Bennett family on your loss. Georgia Tech is forever greatful.
RT in NC
September 27th, 2011
9:26 am
Tech is not boring to watch. We put up 500 plus yards on offense and allow 400 plus yards on defense. I hardly have time to go un-drink a beer before someone scores. Every defensive stop is HUGE.
JM
September 27th, 2011
9:27 am
Wes, Peeples is a Senior. I believe he’s often listed as a starting A-back.
Brian
September 27th, 2011
9:30 am
They scored with ease on the opening drive. That game could have easily been a 38-35 loss. Is it too much to ask for defenders to actually cover the receivers. I ask the same thing to falcon defenders.
duronimo
September 27th, 2011
9:36 am
Tech is indeed on track and while the athletes are good, it’s the coaching that’s the difference. Johnson is flexible in his employment of his signature offense. His adjustments are noticeable. UGA (and the Falcons) continue to force a square peg into a round hole. Bobo will be having great success and then summarily abandon that to adhere to some notion of balance. The Falcons have a way of playing and if that doesn’t work ….. well the game is almost over when corrective measures are finally made. What would Johnson would do with Georgia’s athletes? He would be marching through the SEC like a house on fire.
D21
September 27th, 2011
9:39 am
Our 1st string D has given up 59 points in 13 qtrs. That is 18.2 pts a game brother. Take a chill pill dude!!!!!!!!!!!
NorthGaJacket
September 27th, 2011
9:52 am
special teams and D need work but are getting better. peters shows the right attitude. hope the whole team is thinking that way; ottherwise could be a trap game. go jackets!!
NorthGaJacket
September 27th, 2011
9:54 am
and deepest sympathy to the Bennett family.
D21
September 27th, 2011
10:08 am
No trap game here. Had we beat UNC 51-21, like we should have, then I could meet you half way on “trap” possibility. However, the fact that they embarrassed us 45-28 in Atl last year, there is no way this is trap game. The kids learned from not putting UNC away. We roll State 48-20!!!!!!!!!!
Burdell 90
September 27th, 2011
10:19 am
ME77…I could be wrong, but I think it was Look Magazine, not Life.
RICHT IS WRECKED
September 27th, 2011
10:23 am
PJ is the man.
http://coachesbythenumbers.com/coach-profile/?coach=Paul+Johnson
Burdell
September 27th, 2011
10:25 am
Indeed it was Look magazine…a buddy of mine had a framed poster of the cover. Marilyn was wearing a Tech cheerleader outfit with the old ‘T’ on the front of her tight white sweater…
GO JACKETS!!
D21
September 27th, 2011
10:27 am
CPJ is definately THE MAN!!!!!!!!! Stay thirsty my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D21
September 27th, 2011
10:29 am
Burdell, what you think about a throwback uni like what Mich wore vs ND. GT comes out with throwback home white jersey with old “T” on front with numerals on back?????
When you say Budw...
September 27th, 2011
10:30 am
@ ME77 – Are you sure Marilyn wasn’t in Look magazine in the Tech sweater? And I didn’t see 2 Tech players… If you have a link to the Life image, please post… Thank you.
Leonard
September 27th, 2011
10:31 am
Tech’s playing so well, maybe they oughta’ consider getting into a real colnference.
When you say Budw...
September 27th, 2011
10:31 am
Nevermind, just read Burdell’s post… how fun is it to google Marilyn images just for Heck of it… Haha
DawginLex
September 27th, 2011
10:33 am
duronimo
Be careful with such logical talk.
Am I the only Dawg who believes what he says is true?
Am I the only Dawg smart enough to notice that Johnson said he ran ZERO TRIPLE OPTION last week vs UNC?
Old Gold and White in my veins
September 27th, 2011
10:35 am
It was Look.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-MARILYN-MONROE-Look-Magazine-Georgia-Tech-/120774783626
DawginLex
September 27th, 2011
10:36 am
ok, “hardly any triple option”
But the point remains the same. The man could coach and win big in the SEC
When you say Budw...
September 27th, 2011
10:48 am
DawginLex – “you said it all.” I just hope his swagger doesn’t get him stolen away before he can re-establish us as a consistent national contender.
When you say Budw...
September 27th, 2011
10:51 am
amazing the formation on the 2-pt conversion – the strong side right, pitch to the A-Back for a walk-in.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2011
10:55 am
DawginLex – In addition to the number of pass plays, the halfback and even fullback toss sweeps have opened up the offense a lot. Those are old-time T-formation names for the plays.
DawginLex
September 27th, 2011
11:01 am
The formations are flexible and can be changed to exploit defensive weaknesses.
To say that Murray or Lemay or even Hutson Mason couldn’t run that offense or as many argue wouldn’t want to run it is idiotic.
This whole notion of a pro set being the only ticket to the NFL limits what a coach can do at the college level.
I just want to win NOW, as do the Tech folks. Do we really care about NFL prospects which none of these guys are guaranteed?
The other argument is it affects recruiting which I don’t buy either.
macrotech
September 27th, 2011
11:08 am
DawginLex…you speak truth! I think that we can put to rest the idea that playing for Tech will retard ones chances of playing at the next level. Our receivers and running backs will be appreciated at the next level because they MUST excel at blocking…their physicality and athleticism will take care of the rest. In the end….it’s about collecting those ‘W’s….so far so good! Best wishes!
Burdell 90
September 27th, 2011
11:10 am
DawginLex…agreed, everyone has to get the players that will help the win. We can’t worry about the possibiltiy of the recruit going pro. They say that the TO will not get noticed by the pros, but I would beg to differ, if you put up the numbers and play smart they will notice.
Don’t know what the offense Joe Flacco ran at Delaware, Romo at Northern Illinios, or Big Ben at Miami of Ohio but they seem have done pretty well in the NFL.
Burdell 90
September 27th, 2011
11:10 am
And it is not often that I agree with a Ga fan…
Supersize that order, mutt
September 27th, 2011
11:15 am
As usual, intelligent and informed words from DawginLex. Why can’t all dawgs be like him?
Supersize that order, mutt
September 27th, 2011
11:18 am
What the devil is up with these filters. I am trying to post something about poor student attendance, and it bets blocked
Supersize that order, mutt
September 27th, 2011
11:19 am
ok, that got through. Contrary to what GT Phenom posted last night, those sections have not been filled for every game
Supersize that order, mutt
September 27th, 2011
11:20 am
In fact, I think there were more students there for the WC game than for the UNC game
Supersize that order, mutt
September 27th, 2011
11:20 am
It took me 3 separate posts to get across what got blocked when it was all in one post. That’s just screwy
dry dirt road
September 27th, 2011
11:45 am
Ken forgot to capitalize Tech in statement 1 referencing to Jason Peter’s comment regarding “bulls eyes on our chests”.
dry dirt road
September 27th, 2011
11:49 am
I prefer the 12 PM starts for games b/c of my efficiency curve at it’s highest that time of day.
GT-UT
September 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Good to see the usual suspects posts.
I echo some others concerns about the Defense. We need to tighten up on coverage especially on third down.
threetrone
September 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Tech needs to stay on track. That means don’t get sidetracked by any one’s imagined “bad vibes” that might prompt the team to want to change the color of the numbers on the jerseys. Staying with the plan means staying on track. Changing the plan means a loss of control.
chill pill time Brian
September 27th, 2011
12:05 pm
Tech is undefeated. What do you want?
said it all bud, Sims is the B back that scored the PAT for two.
When you say Budw...
September 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
@ Richt is Wrecked…. I’m not sure how to read your post – I agree CPJ is the man. But the link clearly shows CMR way ahead of Paul “by the numbers”… CPJ is moving up, no doubt – but still an 8-iron away from CMR and many other Greats. Please explain – maybe I’m missing something.
1 4 GT
September 27th, 2011
12:41 pm
jack ee. Thanks much for your posting. That’s the 1st piece of RAP music I truly enjoyed..can you say generation gap..in my semi computer literacy I will get that song somehow.
1 4 GT
September 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
ME77 If you see this, I just searched Google for Life mag covers for 1952 & ‘53—-no MM in Tech sweater with Tech players there. It must have been another magazine. SI maybe?