Looking ahead to Georgia Tech-Clemson
Greetings-
Sorry for the delay. Anyway, I was trading texts after the game with my buddy Stewart, a Tech alumnus who flew down for the Miami game, and the last text he left me with was, “Got to wonder where we go from here.”
Kind of the question of the week, unless he was asking for suggestions about where he and his crew should party Saturday night. It doesn’t look great for reasons easily enumerated, starting with the cold front that’s swept over the Tech offense and the special teams that continues to underachieve. I wrote a story for Monday’s paper pointing out that Clemson scored more last Saturday than the Jackets have in their past three games.
I think the Jackets have a chance Saturday. Not a great one, but as much of a chance as Virginia had against Tech a few weeks back or Texas Tech was given against Oklahoma.
It’s something of a commentary on the season that I dust off this quote from Paul Johnson from two weeks ago that its intent is to offer hope for the Jackets against Clemson rather than provide caution against inflated expectations, which is how it would have been read when he said it two Mondays ago. It was in response to a question about Florida State’s struggles.
“That’s the nature of the game. The game is so fragile. It’s not as cut and dried (as you’d think). There might be three or four teams in the country that are just so talented (they can’t lose), but most of the teams aren’t that way now. On a given day, most anybody can beat anybody. You get three or four turnovers or something happens or somebody has an off day or somebody has a hot day. That’s why you play the games.”
On the to-do list for Tech this week:
1. Clean up execution issues on offense. Tech’s best shot is to hold onto the ball for 35 minutes plus and use those minutes productively. That won’t happen, obviously, if the recent problems clearing holes and not getting playmakers in space with the ball persist.
The fact that Clemson’s defense doesn’t inspire terror (378 yards per game) suggests that this could happen, but it didn’t help in Miami, which, coincidentally, averages 378.6 yards per game.
Clemson’s defensive line, including defensive end Andre Branch (ACC-best eight sacks this season) and tackle Brandon Thompson (41 tackles, likely first-round pick), is not to be trifled with.
2. Infuse some confidence into Tevin Washington. He’s in a funk.
3. Get some special teams answers. Clemson is pretty much the last team that needs a short field to score points. Two very important people this week are kickoff specialist David Scully and punter Sean Poole. Also on the list are the 11 gentlemen on the kickoff return team. Tech’s 19.56 yards per return average is 103rd in the country.
4. Decide how much to put Tech’s cornerbacks on an island. Cover-2 pass coverage will limit Clemson’s big-play potential, but will make it harder to pressure quarterback Tajh Boyd. Playing man against wide receivers Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins frees up more possibilities to blitz Boyd, but, obviously, leaves the Jackets more vulnerable to big plays out of single coverage.
5. Hope that Clemson’s players busy themselves reading and hearing about how great they are. It seemed to work for Virginia.
Links
Anderson Independent Mail stories on Waktins, the Tigers’ breadth of playmakers and Dabo Swinney’s insistence on focus.
Swinney isn’t spending much time thinking about the BCS rankings, says the Charleston Post and Courier.
Game stories from the Palm Beach Post, the Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Quote from Hurricanes running back Mike James in the Sun-Sentinel story: “I mean, who holds Georgia Tech to seven points?”
Thanks for reading. I’ll have notes up after practice around 9:30.
Please follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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240 comments Add your comment
juvenal
October 24th, 2011
4:16 pm
so we’re, like, 8 & 3 this century? and we never have better players……
IPTAY
October 24th, 2011
4:17 pm
@GIMME A BREAK, The only time I’ve ever been scared was when my brother died. I was scared his pants wouldn’t fit. TIGERS GONNA WHOPPDATAZZ
BillS
October 24th, 2011
4:18 pm
Most Tech fans over-reacted to the 6-0 start. And now they’re whining that the team is “the second youngest in the country” (not so). Truth is Tech played an unusually soft schedule to pad its record. Now that the scheduled has toughened, the weaknesses stand exposed. And honestly, CPJ’s offense is looking predictable and quite stoppable. Without a few great athletes, it’s just a so-so-offense and the better teams can climb over it. I’m looking more and more at a one-trick pony. I don’t see Tech getting a national spotlight again, and CPJ’s coaching seems more accusatory than inspiring.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:21 pm
I’ll save you the suspense, Georg M. Y’all are gonna hammer us Saturday.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:21 pm
I missed that play, but I hope CPJ isn’t killing the team’s morale. If I didn’t know better I’d say the offense quite on him Saturday. I hope that’s just my frustration talking. I do remember, when asked about short passes, CPJ saying that if he needed 6-8 yds. that he could get it by running the ball. He needs some help with the passing game.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:23 pm
IPTAY, well , did they?
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:24 pm
Let’s not read too much into a two game sample size, Bill S.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
If a team is crowding the box, GIVE ME A BREAK, the solution is not a short pass. The solution is a bomb.
Trojan
October 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
Washington simply can not throw right now.
Brent
October 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
BillS – Do your research before you doubt somebody.
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2011/Jun11/DBJune07.html
Pointing out hope for the future is not “whining.” I’ve been posting about our youth all season, and I even said something about it when we were 6-0. You’re an idiot and a troll. GTFO.
BillS
October 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
I don’t think I’m over-reacting on the negative. In fact, I think a Tech upset against Clemson is distinctly possible. Maybe not likely, but this series is a good, close one. I am concerned that CPJ can be out-coached by even the likes of Dabo Swinney and his offensive assistant Chad Morris..
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:26 pm
Clemson should beats us bad, but then again UGA should beat us every year. Go figure. I like our chances so we’ll still show up and play.
NJ jacket
October 24th, 2011
4:27 pm
I’m sorry but I believe the sky has fallen. If it ain’t working then fix it or do something else. I’ll still watch and still root for kids everytime they play but PJ needs to fix his offense before we are looking at 7-5 or worse 6-6. He’s the coach and if that’s the best he can coach this team then he needs to ask for someone else’s opinion on how to fix it. Sure TW isn’t executing all that well but our genius coach should be able to come up with something that works.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:28 pm
They do beat us every year, GIVE ME A BREAK.
fan of shorter passes (as short as necessary!)
October 24th, 2011
4:28 pm
@ George….when Washington threw that long pass to Hill, did you really think there was a high percentage of completion? I don’t think Mia did? They still had 14 on the line.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:29 pm
Geoge, I agree. I think CPJ was asked that question last year when Tech couldn’t complete anything.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:29 pm
Just gotta hit a down-field pass, NJ. Do that twice a game and the offense will be fine.
The sky isn’t falling, by the way.
Your Next Head Coach
October 24th, 2011
4:29 pm
1) Stoops, no not Bob, but Mike Stoops 2)Rick Neuheisel 3)Dave Wannstedt 4)Mike Locksley 5)Joe Paterno
BillS
October 24th, 2011
4:30 pm
Brent, that Phil Steele blog is months old. I was referring to the actual starting lineups for colleges. Tech is young, of course, but that’s always as young compared to Indiana or Auburn, among others. No need for name calling unless it makes you feel better here.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:31 pm
The point, shorter passes, is that there are already 9 guys in the box. There isn’t anywhere to throw it but deep. The only way we clear that mess out is by hitting a long pass.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:31 pm
George, 39 times they didn’t, and 5 ties.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:33 pm
Look, GIVE ME A BREAK, I want us to beat UGA. Johnson was hired specifically for that reason. But the only way we get better is by looking our flaws in the eye.
TBone
October 24th, 2011
4:33 pm
The triple option is more dependant on quality QB play than any other offensive scheme. You hear some schools talk about simply needing a “game manager”. To succeed they only need a QB to effectively get the ball to their playmakers, example: Bama, LSU, Clemson. The spread option teams lean heavily on the QB also becuase the guy has to be a threat running and passing, example: FL and Auburn with Tebow and Cam. How have they done without them? But the triple option is even more dependant and demands more from the QB position. There is no way to hide or game plan around weak QB play. Decisions are made on almost every play, he gets hit on every play, he’s got to be a threat with the ball, has to be able to pitch it confidently and has to be able to throw it. How many guys have that depth of talent? Turner Gill, Tommie Frazier, the OK wishbone QB’s, Tracy Ham at GA Southern…I think they are harder to find the pro-style prototypes such as the Andrew Lucks, Landry Jones, Matt Stafford’s, Peyton Mannings etc… Without a true blue chip playmaker at QB it will be tough for Tech to be a ACC contender and compete with UGA year in and year out. CPJ is a quality coach but his challenge won’t be whether or not the triple option is a viable system, his challenge will be to get enough of big time players to run it. It starts with the QB, then the O-line (D-line penetration disrupts any system but it kills the option), then the backs (must be able to block, break tackles and have speed — and you need 3 on the field at all times), then WR’s which must block as well as they catch. Can he recruit enough good players? He down plays the star rating system of high school players, which is out of control, but at some point the percentages play out. The bigger, stronger, faster kid is going to beat the smaller kid more often than not. There are the exceptions, PJ Daniels a walk-on becoming a top shelf RB and there are certaily others but more often than not Goliath does win. I don’t see playmakers on the O side of the ball after 3 years of recruiting. Recruiting to the triple option at the D-1 level will be his biggest challenge.
fan of shorter passes (as short as necessary!)
October 24th, 2011
4:34 pm
BillS does seem correct on one thing…Johnson seems to be a perfectionist and sometimes thinks everyone else should be. So he does a poor job of handing our complements. Instead he seems to rather fuss/scold/intimitate/disrespect his players when they do “wrong”. Perhaps that is part of lack of confidence thing. But some of you bada$$ football jocks might have other opinions.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:35 pm
Tahj Boyd is not a game manager, TBone. He’s a superstar.
BillS
October 24th, 2011
4:36 pm
Solid analysis, TBone.
Brent
October 24th, 2011
4:37 pm
Bill, please debunk the article, then. All you’ve said is “not so” and “I was referring to the actual starting lineups for colleges.” Phil Steele actually did an analysis of each team’s two-deep, even if it was over the summer. All you’ve done is disagree without any semblance of support for your point. It’s very clear this season that GT is inconsistent, undersized, and lacking in conditioning. All of those things are products of age and experience. As our team becomes more experienced, they will improve.
As for the name calling, I call them like I see them. Especially when someone else kicks it off by accusing me of “whining.”
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:38 pm
As many years as CPJ has been running the TO, it’s hard to believe that any defense could surprise him and CPJ not know what to do.
We Own You
October 24th, 2011
4:38 pm
Clemson 59 Nerds 21 You are HORRIBLE!
10 OUT OF 11 IS A LOCK!
juvenal
October 24th, 2011
4:40 pm
Ken, you ever got the idea CPJ listens to anyone but himself?
NJ jacket
October 24th, 2011
4:41 pm
Don’t know George looks like it from the north. If we had duke this week and not Clemson might be a different story but loss number 3 looks like a given based on our current play. Don’t get me wrong bad or good I’ll be watching and then usually watch it again to see if I can figure out what they could do to fix it. But in the end I’m just an arm chair quarterback.
TBone
October 24th, 2011
4:41 pm
That wasn’t intended as a shot at Boyd, he is a playmaker, no doubt. He came to mind becuase the Clemson O-Coordinator while on the B&D show on 790 earlier today descbribed him as such. When asked about Boyd’s development the Coordinator said that coming into the season they told him that he didn’t have to do it all, not to put to much pressure on himself, to get the ball to the playmakers. Give it a listen, it was good stuff.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:42 pm
I think Johnson is harder on himself than any of us ever could be, juvenal. He’s too bright not to know what’s wrong. The questions is whether or not he can fix it.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
4:42 pm
We’ll be in our seats Saturday night hoping we can pull off the upset. Clemson knows Tech has their number.
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:43 pm
Fair enough, NJ. I think we’re gonna get creamed Saturday, but I also think we will beat VT, Duke, and UGA. We’ll see.
I’ll check it out, TBone.
fan of shorter passes (as short as necessary!)
October 24th, 2011
4:43 pm
Well George, if a successful long pass is the answer to “keep em off the line”, it surely does not seem a likely possibility. Does it?
Technically Correct
October 24th, 2011
4:45 pm
Here is the plan: Shift a linebacker to play QB. Daniel Drummond (248 lb.) and Jabari Hunt-Days (244 lb.), for example, both have running back experience and, with their size, either could punish linebackers like Josh Nesbitt used to do. Right now, no one respects the pass anyway, so they take away the dive and the pitch, counting on putting a linebacker to take on Washington. That’s a mismatch. Let someone like these two get a little head of steam and that’s got to be good for 3.5 yards. And, with 3.5 yards per play, who knows?
George Stein
October 24th, 2011
4:46 pm
I dunno, shorter passes. We haven’t really tried too many deep balls lately. The other thing that’s been missing is the passes up the seam to the A-backs. They were hugely successful early in the season.
fan of shorter passes (as short as necessary!)
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
The (shorter) pass into the “middle” seems to work against Tech…short pass with possibility of yardage after catch…seems like Tech does not attempt many of those.
BigTimeTechFan
October 24th, 2011
4:53 pm
Oh come on, After two bad games Tech is due to break out. Clemson will have to deal with L young and J Thomas, best 2 CB’s in the nation. Attachu will be bringing on the heat. Hill will be getting back to his 32 yards per catch and Smith will be back on track with 5 carries for 90 plus yards.
It’s going to look like Kansas game this year execpt Clemson will make a run at the end. Tech will be up like 35-17.
RT in NC
October 24th, 2011
4:55 pm
Watching Nesbit run the TO was both beautiful and terrifying. That boy would hold the ball until he was practically wrapped up and then pitch it. Between holding my breath for a tight pitch and watching the 3-4 let the opposing QB’s run around the backfield for a half an hour, I’ve lost at least ten years off my cardiac life. I have been thoroughly entertained though. The TO is all about calculated risk, TW needs to take more risks, not by keeping it, but by pitching it.
I have high hopes for this team, next year. And still holding out for splitting the rest of the games.
BigTimeTechFan
October 24th, 2011
4:55 pm
Roddy will be hitting his blocks and bust a couple of nice runs. Tech is fired up for Clemson.
bulldog steve
October 24th, 2011
4:56 pm
Dawghater – So Tech’s excuse is that they are young? Have you looked at the youth on UGA’s team at the skilled positions? QB-soph, WR-true freshman, RB- true freshman, NG – first year in program and backup a Soph – Linebackers – 2 sophomores. I totally agree that neither team has shown they can beat anybody, but at least UGA’s two losses are against ranked teams. As far as DC’s you would take Tech’s DC or UGA’s? seriously? Your DC is too old to get upset like that, even as bad as they play. We will see how this year plays out. Both leagues have bottom feeders, and yes, UGA is lucky to miss the best teams of the west this year, but Tech misses FSU and gets the biggest games of the year at home against Clemson and VT. Would you rather be trending up like UGA or free falling like Tech?
Hey, juvenal...
October 24th, 2011
4:59 pm
…don’t know if CPJ listens to anyone but himself, but I know he does not listen to the suggestions made by fans on this blog…
RT in NC
October 24th, 2011
5:01 pm
I’d love to see CPJ’s game plan as follows:
Recruit some foreign kid who can kick the crap out of the ball.
Beg Frank Beamer to give him some tips on special teams.
Forbidding Tevon to throw more than 15 yards in the air.
Telling Tevon that if he does not hand off PITCH IT!
Whispering in Al Groh’s ear that it is OK to blitz the house every once in a while.
Threaten the Offense with death for any pre-snap penalties.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
5:10 pm
E-mail DRad.
joeygt1
October 24th, 2011
5:10 pm
i think gt comes out energized bc there at home and give us a good close game against clemson if our special teams do not screw up and our offense moves the ball we win 42-38
TBone
October 24th, 2011
5:10 pm
Like George, I’m not very optimistic about Saturday night. On D – I’m liking our back 4 but I’m afraid 5 of our front 7 will be overmatched. The D looked to play hard, fast and smart against Miami, which wasn’t what I was expecting after UVA. I thought the U would do what they’ve done the past 2 years, play power O with pulling big tackles and hammering us. Question: With so few 6′5″+, 310lb+ O-linemen on the team how does our scout team simulate a power running game for the defense to practice against? Folks talk about the Tech opponents struggling to simulate the triple option in practice. The same can be said about the preparation of the Tech D trying to prepare for a power running game or a precision passing attack. We’ve got to hope the Clemson O struggles some how and we get some breaks to stay in the game. I agree that CPJ has probably seen about everything a D Coordinator can throw at him but given the look on his face and what he said in the post game press conference I think he realizes the limitations of his QB’s. The interceptions thrown against MD, UVA and UM look just like the ones thrown last year at VT, UGA and Air Force. We need some Kerry Watkins, Calvin Johnson miracles along with a string of missed Clemson opportunities like what happened here back in 2005 and maybe the boys on Old Gold can pull it off. I think they’ll fight hard, I don’t doubt their heart.
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 24th, 2011
5:13 pm
DRadakovich@at.gtaa.gatech.edu
TBone
October 24th, 2011
5:16 pm
Another concern about recruiting…. Not a punter, a kicker or a return man on the team reflects poorly on the talent level.