Paul Johnson quotes

Initial comments:

It’s a great win. I know that lot of guys are disappointed that wrote us off, but we got a chance to play again next week. Like I said, earlier, just let us finish the season before you do our tombstone. I’m really proud of our guys. I couldn’t be prouder.

On Clemson:

I tell you they’ve got a really, really good football team. Brandon Thompson is a heck of a football player, the defensive tackle. We had a hard time blocking him so we just kind of started reading him.

On why the team played so differently than it had the past two weeks:

We played with some emotion and some intensity and we played better. They’re 18 to 21 year olds. Like I said, we’ve got a young football team. I keep telling people who don’t want to listen. Coach (Dabo) Swinney and I were talking about it before the game. We’ve got a bunch of sophomores and redshirt freshmen playing on the line of scrimmage most of the time and sometimes they’ve played better than the others. We just executed better.

We started out the first two drives kind of like we played the two weeks on offense, but we settled down. We made some plays.

On Tevin Washington’s interception:

They were rolling the secondary down really hard there because they knew we were going to run the ball, so we thought we might could get a cheap one on the play action. We didn’t execute very well and they picked it off but Jemea (Thomas) saved us with a great play on the very next play.

On play of the defense:

We kept them off the scoreboard. I thought we played really good in the first half and then the second half, we got just enough. They went down and scored really fast (to open the second half), it looked like they were coming back down again to score and they got the fumble (forced by Thomas in the third quarter).

We knocked the ball loose, we took a little bit of time. And we played the way we needed to play. I was looking at the time of possession and it was 39 to 21. When you do that, you’ve got a chance to win. We did a nice job of not giving up big plays defensively. like I said, kept ‘em out of the end zone for the most part.

On the execution of the game plan:

I thought the game went pretty much the way we wanted, except for the fumble on the goal line. I like said, if we get that in there, it’s 38-10 and they’ve got a real uphill battle to come back. But 31’s more than 17.

On impact of Tevin Washington’s play:

I think he’ll get his confidence back. I said all along, it wasn’t all Tevin he’ got to have some help. Tonight we got help from different guys. We made plays. The first long run he had on the option, he made a nice cut inside, but the second one on the quarterback draw, they put some guys on the ground. That was some pretty good blocking.

On Thomas:

He made some great plays. Jemea Thomas loves to play football. he’s a really good player. we’ve got to get him on the field because he makes plays. I think tonight was a great example of that. He had some huge plays.

On T.J. Barnes‘ having a good game:

He sure did. It was good to see T.J. He made a couple nice plays on run plays. We played with like I said, with the kind of effort and intensity you’ve got to play with.

On if he knew the team would play like this:

I knew we weren’t going to quit. Unlike some people, I knew we wouldn’t quit.

On how Tech can play so well when it’s counted out:

I don’t know. Give the players the credit. They’re the guys who did it. It wasn’t me. they bowed their neck and they played.

170 comments Add your comment

Batjacket

October 30th, 2011
11:09 am

OH, I see from other comments that “4th rate” is a MUTT fan–Figures.

HEY 4TH RATE–Werent you guys ready to fire Richt after the first 2 games?
Feelin’ kinda’ stupid about that now, arent ya?

Bring your high school offense on down to Bobby Dodd & be prepared for a whuppin’

techgrad93

October 30th, 2011
11:11 am

To “Wondering???”: I think you are trivializing the ability to make sure a team is ready to play every week with the same passion/effort/intensity. If you have played yourself, you recognize it is extremely difficult. Name one national champion football team and I can pull their record and show you where they almost lost to an inferior team. It takes a lot of talent to play like crap and still win on a bad night. If you aren’t the most talented week in/week out, you have to leverage emotion/intensity/execution. If teams could consistently do what you are expecting they should be able to do, no one would ever lose …

K

October 30th, 2011
11:14 am

The team and coaching were great last night.
They did play as a team and did what needed to be done!
I still say Roddy Jones is the heart and soul of this team!
Great game!

Alabama Jack

October 30th, 2011
11:14 am

To: ACC Commissioner

We respectfully request that you no longer schedule Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder to officiate our games.

Sincerely,

Rambling Reck

Gtyelojaket

October 30th, 2011
11:23 am

Old Gold and White Fan, not so fast, UGA is 6-2 !!!

Reality

October 30th, 2011
11:23 am

Great win. Get by Va TEch and we will be 10-2 going into a rematch against Clemson. Go Jackets!!!!

Dallas Jacket

October 30th, 2011
11:26 am

I am so happy that he is our head coach!

Star Wars could happen

October 30th, 2011
11:35 am

We are the best team in the universe!!!!!! We would destroy the Falcons if they played them!!! UGA will get destroyed!!!!!! No one can stop us!!!!! Paul Johnson is a genius!!!!!! THWG!!!!!

hahahaha!!!!!

October 30th, 2011
11:36 am

Where is Bobby Dodd stadium? I only know of Sanford Stadium Jr. on Yech’s ghetto campus.

Stan

October 30th, 2011
11:38 am

Wow, Clemson must really, really suck

gt45

October 30th, 2011
11:39 am

Congrats guys, heck of a game. Clemson fans never got in the game, except for a moment in the third. I remember the video of the Tiger fan after the loss a couple of years ago. I saw similar things last night! We run the table from here on. Go Jackets!

Spike 80DF

October 30th, 2011
11:40 am

I’m just glad the Dawgs will have a full security detail when they come to Tech with all the assault and armed robbery that goes on…

Stan

October 30th, 2011
11:42 am

gt45 —

Run the table? How do you figure? You will lose 2 of your last 3, and I doubt I have to tell you which games those are.

I do hope that the Yech team is as ignorantly over confident as the delusional fan base that simply defeated a far overrated Clemson team.

Reality

October 30th, 2011
11:43 am

hahahahaha….I think you mean Sanford & Son Stadium in the Cesspool of the South otherwise known as Athens.

5150 UOAD

October 30th, 2011
11:45 am

Please no more talk about lifting Vad Lee’s redshirt.

Reality

October 30th, 2011
11:45 am

Hey Stan….who have you beaten? A bunch of lower tier SEC teams and FL with the worst team since the 70’s. GT takes care of Ugag this year.

carolinajacket

October 30th, 2011
11:46 am

Very Funny, and correct, Alabama. As far as the team being so well prepared, perhaps the “pep” talk Roddy and Jason helped the younger players get ready for the game. Sometimes a team meeting is effective in doing this.

I'm flying a ..... Georgia Tech flag right now

October 30th, 2011
12:13 pm

`
GT now #23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll

Reality Yech

October 30th, 2011
12:22 pm

Hey Reality, how many times the past 30 or so years have you morons said “GT takes care of their masters this year???” You will choke on it like you always do.

Yech beat an overrated team who’s coach is named Dabo for crying out loud. But please, PLEASE, continue thinking your cheats are world beaters. It will make laughing in your faces at Sanford Stadium Jr. all the more sweet this year.

meeks

October 30th, 2011
12:23 pm

Quite correct, Tech’s campus is a cesspool in the middle of the ghetto. I wonder how many people were mugged last night?

cooper

October 30th, 2011
12:26 pm

Pretty sure Clemson had to rally to comeback against M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D. Wake me up when your thugs play a real team. Thaks.

Danny Ford

October 30th, 2011
12:29 pm

Tiger meat smells like fish and tastes like chicken.

reebok

October 30th, 2011
12:32 pm

when the offense got rolling on that third possession, Clemson’s D simply couldn’t do anything. I hope we can do the same thing to V-Tech and UGA…having both those games at home will help.

5150 UOAD

October 30th, 2011
12:35 pm

cooper………………UGA couldn’t come back against USC or BSU. Didn’t UGA have to COME BACK against a 4-4 Gator team? Call me when you play and BEAT somebody.

BigTimeTECHFan

October 30th, 2011
12:36 pm

Last week I said Tech would come out fired up and jump out to big lead, then Clemson would make a push at the end. Bologger dogged me. I told them Tech had the best two CB’s in the county. Don’t forget J Thomas / L Young held NC State WR who is one of the best to zero catches.

Tech D is young and pretty good

Yellow Fuzz

October 30th, 2011
12:39 pm

Hahaha. Glad all you chest pounding, AH dog nation represenatives on here were able to get by a banged up Florida team. Hahaha. While THE GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS totally dominated the #5 ranked team in the nation (which had far more talent and depth than us) with our “2 star players”, “gimmick, high school offense” and “80 year old defensive coordinator”. See you soon doggies. You may beat us but you will have to play the game of your life. There is NO WAY that you have more talent than Clemson.

FEAR THE FUZZ!

Michael Veli

October 30th, 2011
12:41 pm

Todd Grantham looks like Chaz Bono

Jack G

October 30th, 2011
12:43 pm

Wondering
Hush your mouth, Intellegent blogs are not permitted

gt4ever

October 30th, 2011
1:13 pm

Someone tell me what team showed up last night… What a special night of football… It REALLY is scary how GOOD we could possibly be when the DEFENSE comes to play football! I tip my hat to this teams effort… Great JOB! Keep it going….

ATLER (Ramblin Wreck)

October 30th, 2011
1:20 pm

Great win Jackets!!!! I’m proud of the team and glad we pulled ourselves together. Let’s rest and get ready for VPI. VPI hasn’t played anyone all year and think their going to run the table in the Coastal division………….. Not so fast my friend!!!!!!!! Go Jackets!!!!

19

October 30th, 2011
1:22 pm

Oh, so now Clemson was overrated! Didn’t see that coming, what a bunch of loser dawgtools!

Yes 5150, I wish I was there. I would have rushed the field after the game! Plus I would have been spared Craig James commentary. That guy is a wackoff.

Go Jackets!!!

GIVE ME A BREAK

October 30th, 2011
1:29 pm

YELLOW JACKETS were outstanding. Total team effort. Bobby Dodd Stadium was ” ROCKING.” Great to see the fans storm the field. Now let’s get ready for VT. ” ROCK & ROLL YELLOW JACKETS “

GT baby

October 30th, 2011
1:44 pm

What a great game to have 8 or 9 top recruits there to watch..hope they got into the excitement of game and fans..Welcome to the flats..hope you all sign.

tpjones

October 30th, 2011
1:47 pm

6 days WnE & JM. HAHAHAHAHA

Batjacket

October 30th, 2011
1:51 pm

@RealityYech–what a joke your comments are.
You had to come from behind to beat a banged up Gator team with an immobile QB, while we dominated the formerly ranked # 5 team in the nation.
Get back to us when your pups beat a team in the Top 5 that isn’t hurting & THEN you may have a point other than the one on top of your head.
LMAO at you

I'm flying a ..... Georgia Tech flag right now

October 30th, 2011
1:51 pm

GT moved back in the AP Poll at #22,
bring on the Hokies.

dawg2

October 30th, 2011
1:52 pm

Congrats to Coach Johnson his staff and Team..great job. You made the State proud, keep up the good work till we meet. Go Dawg & Go GT.

Batjacket

October 30th, 2011
1:54 pm

@Ryech again

BTW,, wasnt the majority of the puppy nation crying for Richt’s head after your first 2 losses?
Whether YOU were or not, I imagine they feel pretty stupid now.
Granted that is NOT a new or rare experience for a pup fan, but I cant help but laugh about it

Stephen CC

October 30th, 2011
1:58 pm

Alabama Jack, you made me laugh out loud! Thankfully, in spite of adversity, our boys played a magnificent game! CONGRATULATIONS YELLOW JACKETS!!! How wonderful to see the effort of the entire team in every phase of the game! I have to admit I didn’t think they would do it, but I am so glad to be proven wrong. The players deserve the utmost respect for playing their hearts out last night. Enthusiasm, focus, determination and chemistry are powerful when combined like that!

T-man

October 30th, 2011
2:00 pm

Tech vs Ga both Acc and Sec division champs meet at historic Bobby Dodd stadium for state Championship…sweet….Go jackets

Snellville Jacket

October 30th, 2011
2:00 pm

Just a great day for the state of Georgia in general! UGA Finally beat Florida and Ga Tech finishes the night off with a butt kicking defeating the number 5 team in the nation! Just a great saturday for Georgia sports!

Stinger 2

October 30th, 2011
2:12 pm

After a couple days of well earned celebration , I hope CPJ and the coaching staff can get the team in the correct mental and emotional frame of mind for VT.
It would be a shame for the team to revert back to its
play in the UVA and Miami games. A lot would be lost that was gained Sat. night against Clemson.

GT93

October 30th, 2011
2:14 pm

thanks ‘dawg2′ … and congrats to UGA on a great win over FL. Yesterday was indeed a great day state of Georgia football. Would have been sweeter to see GA Southern and GA State win as well though …

Supersize that order, mutt

October 30th, 2011
2:19 pm

gt4ever, I was wondering last night what you might have to say after the game. I think I even mentioned that to UOAD, since he and Delbert D. sat with me. I’m glad to read your thoughts today; you were really down on Johnson, Groh, and the entire team last week. Are you a true believer now? LOL

Supersize that order, mutt

October 30th, 2011
2:20 pm

19, if you had been there with us last night and had rushed the field afterwards, you would have had to fly to get there. But as high as we all were last night, maybe that wouldn’t have been an unreasonable thing to expect. LOL

GT93

October 30th, 2011
2:20 pm

Great wins yesterday for both GT and UGA. Would have been nice to see GA Southern and GA State with wins as well :-(

GT had a TON of recruits at the game last night … that win should really help with great impressions on the recruits and furthering the sustainability of the football program. Just an amazing win!!

GT93

October 30th, 2011
2:20 pm

TechLB

October 30th, 2011
2:21 pm

Super concentration and effort, coaches had ‘em ready to play and Paul had some adjustments for the defensive ends crashing like UVA and Miami. I’ll eat a little crow here and admit to being overly critical – still really disappointed when we play so poorly against beatable teams.

If we can play with this focus and energy each game, or close to it, we’ll be alright.

Kudo’s to Tevin for an inspired performance too…he took control and played with confidence.

Great win! Makes the UGA game a lot more interesting for sure!

TechLB

October 30th, 2011
2:23 pm

Oh yeah, And WAY TO GO DEE!! Loved the play of our defense finally! Nice to watch us throttle a darn fine offense…GO JACKETS!

yeller bug

October 30th, 2011
2:24 pm

Wondering?: If you or anyone can figure out how to motivate and prepare 18 to 21 y.o. to consistently get in the “zone” and play their best, then you would make millions of $$$$. There probably exists some useful techniques that Olympic athletes use or say fighter pilots/special forces who “play a game” where all the chips are on the table to get that mental edge. Perhaps we should be praising Roddy Jones who spoke to the team early in the week. Let him speak each week before the game if that provides the inspiration. I think CPJ does underestimate the powerof motivation or better that peace of mind that passes all understanding that keeps a player revved but calm–most players who get “into the zone” say the game seems to slow down and they are able to make wise decisions and execute well. The best I’ve seen at that mental development of players is Coach K for Duke—those players, no matter what the score, have that calm resolve that they can overcome adversity and win the game.