Paul Johnson sticks up for Washington
Greetings-
Your Paul Johnson news conference highlights:
1. Clemson is “probably the most talented team we’ve played since I’ve been here at Georgia Tech, at least in this stadium,” Johnson said.
2. He doesn’t think the sky is falling. “As I said last week, I don’t want to put the L’s down until we lose the games, if that’s O.K. with everybody,” said Johnson, in perhaps an unfortunate choice of phrasing. “I’d like to at least play them and see what happens.”
3. Johnson defended quarterback Tevin Washington, saying the offense’s lack of production in recent weeks is not his fault alone. “I think those guys get too much credit and too much blame sometimes. He’s like everyone else: He’s working hard and trying to correct what needs to be corrected.” Johnson said that Washington is not a guy he needs to push, that he’s self-motivated, hard on himself and holds himself accountable for his mistakes.
4. Part of Clemson’s ability to put up a lot of points is due to the numbers of plays that they run. The Tigers have run 626 plays, the most in the country. In the Clemson-North Carolina game, there were 16 possessions each, as opposed to 10 each in the Miami-Tech game. “That’s almost another half of football, so you’re going to have more points,” he said.
Johnson said further that “When you’re as talented as they are, you can score in bunches in a hurry.”
5. Clemson’s style won’t cause Tech to alter what the Jackets do offensively. “We’ve just got to try to do what we can do,” he said. He felt the same defensively, even though Clemson can run a high number of plays, because the linemen substitute considerably and the linebackers get swapped out on various packages. The secondary plays the entire game, generally, but there isn’t a lot of depth.
6. Johnson was asked about a petition signed by college football players and basketball players wanting a slice of the revenue schools receive from TV contracts. An Associated Press story Monday said that 55 Tech players had signed it. Denzel McCoy, who was recruited to Tech but is not on the roster because of a medical condition, was quoted in the story.
Johnson was not aware of the story or the petition, but said “I’m all for players getting whatever they can get.”
7. Johnson was asked about negative recruiting tactics against Tech from rival coaches who tell prospects that they can’t get to the NFL if they go there.
Johnson said that “I just point out the guys from Tech that are in the NFL.” He added further that if a prospect looks at a college solely as a vehicle to get to the NFL, “he’s probably not coming to Georgia Tech anyway because if that’s his only concern, he’s going to go somewhere where there’s 100,000 people at the game and the school’s not hard.”
8. Regarding special teams, Johnson said that “there’s a lot of things you can do. We try and do it every day.” He noted that Tech has five special-teams specialists on scholarship – punters Chandler Anderson and Sean Poole, kicker Justin Moore and long snappers Tyler Morgan and Sean Tobin – which might be the most of any team in the country
“I don’t care who’s coaching special teams,” he said. “If you punt the ball 13 yards, it’s not good.”
He asserted, more or less, that it’s not as bad as people think and that it’s the focus of attention because the team has lost two in a row. “We’re not good, but we’re about right in the middle,” he said.
9. He said Roddy Jones spoke to the team Monday with the message that there’s still a lot to play for, that the team can still win 11 games. “I want to win every game,” Johnson said. “The reality is the other teams have 85 scholarship players and they pay their coaches and they try to win, too.”
10. Johnson said he was just trying to get the offense going when he put in Synjyn Days late in the game against Miami. “We weren’t operating at a high level,” he said. “Sometimes you just kind of change things up and see what happens. That was it.”
He noted that Days fumbled. “If he takes care of the ball, he’s going to play more. Synjyn, he’s a talented guy. He can do some things, but you’ve got to take care of the ball.”
11. Johnson said he didn’t know how long center Jay Finch will be out. “It’s not near as bad as they thought. It’s a sprain and we’ll see how it goes.”
Links
How Clemson can make the BCS championship game, from the Charlotte Observer.
Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd is the No. 2 candidate for the Heisman, according to the Sporting News, the Anderson Independent Mail writes.
Clemson defense split up snaps more equally against North Carolina, also in the Independent Mail.
Charleston Post and Courier story on Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris‘ philosophy on coaching from the field rather than the press box.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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270 comments Add your comment
Techmaninathens
October 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
I live in Athens and was at a neighborhood party talking to a neighbor who works in security at UGA. He said that during football home games some of the fans were breaking into campus buildings and trashing them. I think if UGA required a proof of graduation to get into the stadium it wouldn’t put 20,000 fans in the stands. UGA’s problem in think lies in the Wal-Mart fans, not many of the actual grads. Most the UGA fans around here graduated and are very nice. They don’t like Tech, but they are civil about the rivalry. Some of the UGA posters on the blog are questionable about whether they attended any college. Why would a UGA fan be here anyway? Mostly jackasses.
Egg_guy
October 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
……remember Chan Gailey? One thing about Chan was, he realized how important it was to recruit good players. I don’t think CPJ cares or understands that.
It’s obviuos Tevin is not the quarterback for next year…..why oh why not bring Vad Lee out and throw him in the heat of battle….get him ready for next year? He would still be able to play 3 more full years as I’m sure he will not be leaving early for the NFL.
Also, we got to get the ball in S. Hills hands…..have you noticed the effort he gives when he’s got the ball? A real competitor!
GO JACKETS…..beat them Big FAT FARMBOYS !!!!!!
Ramblin Man
October 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
Headley,
Come on man be honest. The last time UGA won the SEC title it was a down year in the SEC. That 90 contains several FCS schools and GT, remember you say how bad GT is so can’t really brag about that. I now many a SEC fan and yes over the last three years they take UGA lightly whether you want to see it or not. UGA is making a nice run right now and may win out, but will then actually have to face a good SEC team in LSU or Alabama and believe it or not I would like to see UGA win that game but they will probably be crushed.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
That flushing sound you hear on N Avenue is Tech season going down the Toilet.
Whats so funny is some of you actually thought you were going to be good and maybe even beat Georgia.
Don’t you feel silly ?
Russ
October 25th, 2011
4:00 pm
Maggots mature into Yellow Jackets. According to the general guidelines of entomology, all insect larvae can be properly referred to as maggots. Therefore, I’m glad to be a dog.
BigTimeTechFan
October 25th, 2011
4:01 pm
Told you, Tech is fired up for Clemson.
Tech will bust out this weekend for a nice win.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:02 pm
Come on man be honest. The last time UGA won the SEC title it was a down year in the SEC.
Why is it when we win the other teams are down but when they win its because they are up.
I could just as easily say the only reason Bama and LSU are winning is because UGA is down.
See how silly that is.
All elite teams like Bama and LSU and UGA are up and down.
Ask bama after they lost to Lousiana Monroe a few years back.
Sorry that argument doesn’t hold water.
BigTimeTechFan
October 25th, 2011
4:03 pm
That flushing sound you hear on N Avenue is Tech season going down the Toilet.
If that’s the case, UGA’s season was gone after the 2nd game.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:03 pm
I now many a SEC fan and yes over the last three years they take UGA lightly whether you want to see it or no
I know allot more than you do and no they don’t.
They know Georgia is dangerous even when down.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:03 pm
headley, glad to see that you admit to using all those different persona, even if I was wrong on one of them. How many other names do you post under. I remember you telling us several times in the past that you NEVER posted under other names. Then Ken outed you one day. At least you no longer dispute that. I’m also glad to see that you were flattered that I included a name that you don’t use, because I also equated you to BIG LOSER. I am surprised that you are humble enough to admit that. bwahahaha
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:04 pm
That flushing sound you hear on N Avenue is Tech season going down the Toilet.
If that’s the case, UGA’s season was gone after the 2nd game.
That doesn’t even make sense.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:06 pm
Sayeth the all knowing headley, “All elite teams like Bama and LSU and UGA are up and down.”
Funny that when Bama and LSU are up, they win NC’s. When UGA is up, nobody notices.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:06 pm
Sure it makes sense, headley…..UGA’s season was over Labor Day weekend.
GTJason
October 25th, 2011
4:07 pm
Ken, was there any comment on the clearly illegal hit on Synjyn? There were several bad calls (bad spots) and tons of bad no call holds when we were ready to sack Jacory. It seems we get the Michael Vick treatment outside of our own stadium…
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:07 pm
And Boise State STILL hasn’t played a quality opponent.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:08 pm
GTJason, did I miss something? What illegal hit on Synjyn?
Ramblin Man
October 25th, 2011
4:09 pm
Headley I say that due to the records of the teams that year and the fact that how often does the winner of the SEC not get to play for the NC? I am not trashing your team or making stupid remarks I am simply pointing out facts. It’s not UGA’s fault other teams were not playing well but records speak for themselves. Thank you for giving me the laugh with the elite remark though.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
How many other names do you post under.
See if you can spot them. It will be our little game.
I remember you telling us several times in the past that you NEVER posted under other names.
And i remember you telling us the UGA voted against letting Tech back in the SEC and you were dead wrong about that. Weren’t you o seer of all truths. Oh Oracle of North Avenue who is never wrong.
I’m also glad to see that you were flattered that I included a name that you don’t use,
Im glad your glad. Tech losing UGA winning natural order of universe restored.
Should be enough for both of us.
because I also equated you to BIG LOSER. I am surprised that you are humble enough to admit that. bwahahaha
Loaded question. Move on.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
Regarding the barking dogs, and the fact that UGA is the only team with a dog as a mascot that has fans who get down on all fours and bard……..Tech’s mascot is a yellow jacket, but you don’t see Tech fans flittering around and buzzing.
Ramblin Man
October 25th, 2011
4:11 pm
headley other dawg fans do not count
GT FAN IN PA
October 25th, 2011
4:11 pm
I will say the odd’s makers still have Tech getting 4 that is not much of a line at all- over under 63 and half- so if we play and the defense can contain the QB I think will be a close game maybe with whoever has the ball last wins!
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:11 pm
Funny that when Bama and LSU are up, they win NC’s. When UGA is up, nobody notices.
No they win championships too. The SEC one.
Thats the only one that matters. The other one is partly luck,
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:12 pm
Loaded question, huh? You are the one that said you were flattered that I attributed other names to you. You missed that one, bubba, and fell right into the trap. Supersize 222 – headley ZERO !!!
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:12 pm
Tech’s mascot is a yellow jacket, but you don’t see Tech fans flittering around and buzzing.
you haven’t been to Dragon Con
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
Supersize 222 – headley ZERO !!!
Stealing my thing.
More flattery thanks
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
riiiiight, headley
GTBob
October 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
I applaud CPJ for sticking up for Tevin, but lets face it, he hasn’t been getting the job done. Hopefully he can turn it back around.
JM
October 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
Go Jackets! Keep working hard.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:14 pm
No, I haven’t been to Dragon Con, whatever the hell that is. Apparently you have though. So I guess that makes you a total dork as well as a big loser.
blackprix
October 25th, 2011
4:14 pm
What coach is ever going to admit he needs to change things!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:15 pm
GTNBob, I agree, and yet you read on these blogs that CPJ never stands up for his players and throws them under the bus. BS!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:15 pm
sorry, I meant GTBob
Ramblin Man
October 25th, 2011
4:16 pm
headley I was not aware you new how many friends/aquintances I have and what teams they pull for.
Let me ask you this. IF Clemson was able to get in then win the NC could GT fans then run around bragging about the ACC and then say well our record was this or that because we play in the ACC?
GT FAN IN PA
October 25th, 2011
4:16 pm
So Headly- you go to dragon con?
JM
October 25th, 2011
4:16 pm
Ken, please end the pissing match that these two wise apples are having on the blog.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
Ramblin Man, great question. I look forward to the answer.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
Headley I say that due to the records of the teams that year and the fact that how often does the winner of the SEC not get to play for the NC? I am not trashing your team or making stupid remarks I am simply pointing out facts. It’s not UGA’s fault other teams were not playing well but records speak for themselves. Thank you for giving me the laugh with the elite remark though.
No problem. Glad to help.
In 2002 UGA went 13-1 and was not allowed to play for the National Title.
Miami and Ohio St were both undefeated.
Is that UGA’s fault. Did we get to play them. No.
LSU loses two games in 2007 but because of a crazy last weekend they get in.
If LSU loses two games in 2002 and UGA one in 2007 everything is different.
Without a playoff the NC is part luck. The SEC title is not.
Big Difference.
Any logical person would agree.
GTBob
October 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
Thats the only one that matters. The other one is partly luck,
So the five SEC teams that did it were just lucky, and UGA is unlucky? That’s a new excuse. Since Mark Richt started there UGA is ranked number two in recruiting overall. The other teams in the top 5 have all played in at least two MNC games, all winning at least one. UGA on the other hand hasn’t come close. I guess all of those teams were lucky as well.
Tech '10
October 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
DawginLex: I have never said anything pleasant about lane kiffin, and that streak continues. ha.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:18 pm
JM, lighten up. I don’t like headley, but he does provide some fun entertainment on here
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:20 pm
I like Lane Kiffin. In his only year at Tenn, he beat the mutts. What’s not to like about him? lol
juvenal
October 25th, 2011
4:20 pm
headley, thanks for at least not letting that gpee guy get a word in edge-wise……
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:21 pm
juvenal, that’s probably another one of headley’s many aliases
dawgfan
October 25th, 2011
4:21 pm
I’s likes it when bird hair richt talks to us bout winning ball games. Then he gets in that there red ford truck and drives off. He he he. Stick a bulldawg w@ng in my ear and call me AJ Green y’all.
headley lamar
October 25th, 2011
4:21 pm
IF Clemson was able to get in then win the NC could GT fans then run around bragging about the ACC and then say well our record was this or that because we play in the ACC?
No.
Because the title run is only part of it.
Its winning most of our bowl games. It winning consistently OOC.
For example an SEC team plays and ACC team every year.
Lets say the SEC team is UGA and the ACC team Tech.
The SEC team would probably win 9 out of 10 of those games.
Sure there are exceptions.
Auburn lost to Clemson.
But it doesn’t usually go that way.
BigTimeTechFan
October 25th, 2011
4:21 pm
headley post this week
Tech wins this weekend
UGA loses this weekend
headley silent next week
Marietta Buzz
October 25th, 2011
4:22 pm
We MUST play 2 QBs ALL the time. Now that the defense locks down every other player, not even the vaunted Joshua Nesbit could handle that pressure. 50 to 60 hits a game! Washington is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Like my Facebook page about pulling the red shirt off Vad Lee.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2011
4:23 pm
BigTime, that’s the way it usually goes. Headley is SOOOOO predictable
Marietta Buzz
October 25th, 2011
4:23 pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pull-Vad-Lees-Redshirt-Coach-Paul-Johnson/212675438800719
Reality
October 25th, 2011
4:23 pm
Who is this idiot Headly Lamar. What a waste product!!!