Washington seeks strong finish for Georgia Tech
Greetings-
Hope you all have had a restful holiday and aren’t suffering too much Georgia Tech football withdrawal. I’ve arrived in El Paso and am proud to report I’ve done my share to infuse the local economy with out-of-town cash with to my purchase of an Oral-B toothbrush at Target last night.
Players and coaches also arrived yesterday, presumably with their dental hygiene instruments.
I don’t have a ton today, but I did speak with quarterback Tevin Washington and quarterbacks and B-backs coach Brian Bohannon for a story I plan to write for Wednesday’s paper. I think the most intriguing thing that I learned was that a considerable part of Washington’s passing struggles was due to a habit of looking too much at the pass rush and not enough downfield. Perhaps not surprisingly, he was at times a little impatient in the pocket.
“It’s having a feel for the pocket, being able to see downfield and feeling the pocket and knowing when to cut it loose, when to run,” Bohannon said. “You work on it in practice, but truthfully, you’ve just got to get out there and do it and get a feel for it.”
Washington recognized he has some room to grow in that department. It’s not easy, and it’s one of those things that typically worsens as pass protection breaks down. The more hits a quarterback takes in the pocket, the more antsy and concerned about self-preservation he’s likely to become.
The challenge, Washington said, is “making sure you keep your eyes downfield so you can give yourself a chance to make plays.”
Going into the Sun Bowl, Washington is 63 for 135 (46.7 percent) for 1,515 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He had an unbelievably hot start passing. He was 27 for 42 for 821 yards (64.3 percent, 19.5 yards per attempt) with eight touchdowns and one interception. The rest of the way, the numbers were 36 for 93 for 694 yards (38.7 percent, 7.5 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. He had no touchdown passes in the last seven regular-season games, although he ran for 10 in those games.
I think more goes into the numbers than Washington’s play, good and bad – the pass protection, the routes receivers ran, the catchable balls they did or didn’t catch, the score or third-down situations forcing Tech’s hand, etc. – although his focusing on the pass rush is obviously no small element.
And it’s notable that Bohannon, who is typically unsparing and honest in his evaluations of players, said that Washington has “done a tremendous job to get us to this point” and praised his leadership. It bears a reminder that the same guy who didn’t have it against Georgia is also the same guy who ran for 176 yards (a school record for a quarterback) and led the offense to 383 rushing yards against Clemson and who has helped Tech convert 54.9 percent of its third downs, the highest rate in the country.
Said Bohannon, “Sure, you can always look back and always go, ‘Well, if we’d have made this play in this game’ or ‘If he’d have made this throw in this game,’ but it’s part of the position, I think. I’m proud of what he’s done for us this year and I’m proud of where he’s at.”
Speaking with him Monday, Washington seemed very ready and eager to play; I think it’s important to him to finish well and help Tech break the bowl losing streak. He’s a highly team-oriented player with some of the best work habits on the team. To borrow a phrase Al Groh likes to use, the game means a lot to him.
“I don’t really think I had a best game,” he said. “I’ve still got a chance to go out and have my best game Saturday. I’m looking forward to trying to do that.”
Links
The El Paso Times reports on Tech’s arrival. Photo gallery from the team’s reception at the airport. Number 3 belongs in the 2012 media guide.
The El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau expects about 5,000 out-of-town visitors for the game, the fewest total in years.
A Deseret News story about Utah’s bowl preparation routine.
Salt Lake Tribune story about Utah running back John White, who went from third-string JUCO transfer to being 103 yards shy of the school single-season rushing record. His injury status (ankle) is a little unclear.
Salt Lake Tribune feature on All-Pac 12 offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom. The NFL Draft Scout website ranks him the No. 9 offensive tackle prospect in the upcoming draft.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
576 comments Add your comment
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:40 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:30 pm
TRUE, you also didn’t comment on my post saying that the Outback Bowl is rated high because of Mich State (a Big 10 team) being in it. I’m not saying that’s a legitimate reason, since the media vastly overrate all the Big 10 teams, but I think that is the case here.
I agree that a lot of extra credit given to Big ten teams whens its not deserved. They dont have the speed to compete with the SEC, OSU proved that in back to back years. as have countless others that get blown out in bowl games. MSU got that treatment from Bama last year.
I think its so hyped bc its 2 Dividion winners but confer title losers. Both teams were one game away from the BCS so thats draws a lot of attention. But ESPN does seem to be pretty much in love with Mich State.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:40 pm
TRUE, for some of us proper spelling and grammar come natural—the result, I assume, of a better learning experience in school. So I generally have no need for spell check. But I DO care whether I spell correctly and am grammatically correct. Hopefully, you will learn one day just how important that can be, even for you.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:42 pm
What?
December 27th, 2011
4:35 pm
Truelly a moron Dawg Fan, you were close on “speel”. Good job! Hang your hat on that and call it a day.
watch your spelling folks this guys remarks about misspellings really hurt. I dont know if I will be able to continue after this insult. Im so deeply hurt.
what a loser
bradrey3d
December 27th, 2011
4:42 pm
At least we’re in agreement on something. When was being drunk and obnoxious something to be proud of btw? True class.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:43 pm
TRUE, even way back in 1952, Tech had a 12-0 record including a bowl win; Mich State had a 9-0 record with no bowl game at all. And yet the AP voted Mich State their national champion. Considering that the 1952 Tech team had 7 All Americans and was voted one of the top 100 college football teams of all time, that makes it even more obvious about the media love for the Big 10 schools.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:44 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:40 pm
TRUE, for some of us proper spelling and grammar come natural—the result, I assume, of a better learning experience in school. So I generally have no need for spell check. But I DO care whether I spell correctly and am grammatically correct. Hopefully, you will learn one day just how important that can be, even for you.
Im on a blog, I do not and will not ever care about my spelling in here.
Its typos, Im not re reading everything Im typing. If I see something blatantly mispelled ill correct if not o well.
FYI- Since yall are so concered, everything else has spell check but this chat box. Computer at home does spell check in the box but not my work one.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
bradrey3d
December 27th, 2011
4:42 pm
At least we’re in agreement on something. When was being drunk and obnoxious something to be proud of btw? True class.
Its funny bc we dont care what you think. It doesnt bother us. Its something the ner ds call us so we have fun with it.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
TRUE, is it my computer or this blog? I DO have spell check when I post on here. It underlines words which I misspell with a red squiggly line.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:43 pm
TRUE, even way back in 1952, Tech had a 12-0 record including a bowl win; Mich State had a 9-0 record with no bowl game at all. And yet the AP voted Mich State their national champion. Considering that the 1952 Tech team had 7 All Americans and was voted one of the top 100 college football teams of all time, that makes it even more obvious about the media love for the Big 10 schools.
All the titles back then are bogus prob even ours in 42. They were handed out like candy back in the day.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:47 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
TRUE, is it my computer or this blog? I DO have spell check when I post on here. It underlines words which I misspell with a red squiggly line.
my work computer. My home computer does the spell check in the box.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:47 pm
Just the same as when you drunk obnoxious fans call Tech fans ner ds. Somehow most of you guys think that is an insult, but it is in fact a badge of honor for the most part. Being a drunk obnoxious fan, however, should not be considered a badge of honor
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:48 pm
TRUE, I thought it was the blog; I didn’t realize my computer was doing the spell check. Live and learn. Anyway, you never commented on my post on the game stats.
What?
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
Truelly a Full Grown Dawg Fan Troll, you are the only one with pathetic spelling and grammar. I guess you skipped all of the English classes. How did you manage a term paper? You would have flunked on that alone regardless of content. Did the professor give you a pass because of your “special” computer?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
TRUE, what puzzles me about the 1942 title that you claim, is that nobody outside of UGA recognizes that one, but I don’t know why. Do you?
GT Strong
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
If Paul Johnson and Dan R. are interesting in filling Bobby Dodd on a consistent basis next year, I’d recommend they use a different QB that’s capable of hanging huge points on the board. Exciting football sells tickets and keeps Alumni donations coming….
GTBob
December 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
All the titles back then are bogus prob even ours in 42. They were handed out like candy back in the day.
All the titles are bogus now. Nothing has changed.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:37 pm
It was 264 yards rushing, but remember too, that you had more time of possession, which just proves that Tech’s defense didn’t stop y’all, meaning our offense didn’t run off as many plays as we usually do.
There is another answer to your question about stopping the triple option. Keep you on the sideline. You need 6-7 min drives if you dont break a long one and you can only get so many of those per game maybe 5.
Yall had a great running offense on your side of the 50, but whenever you got to our side you couldnt move the ball.
You guys did have a good defense for a few years when Chris Reis was on your team (I grew up with his little brother actually), the human torpedo!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:52 pm
48 I am HERE are you around?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:52 pm
GT Strong, I won’t argue that we need a better QB, or one who is more productive. But you don’t think Tech football is exciting to watch??? I sure as hell think it is. Nesbitt couldn’t pass any better than TW, but he was one of the most exciting QB’s I have ever seen on a field. And we didn’t fill the stands when he played either. What the Tech AA needs is better marketing.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:53 pm
48 I Lil Cesar will be the Winner. LOL
I still say The ENGINEERING SCHOOL even though they are down by 8.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
What?
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
Truelly a Full Grown Dawg Fan Troll, you are the only one with pathetic spelling and grammar. I guess you skipped all of the English classes. How did you manage a term paper? You would have flunked on that alone regardless of content. Did the professor give you a pass because of your “special” computer?
Actually being a financial planner all I need is spell check. Havent taken english since I was a freshman at UGA about 7 years ago. Thats the beauty of working with numbers.
Thanks for your concern though
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
True dawg fan said….
Hahaha and you still dont get it. Its almost 3PM and im at work. I have successfully sped up my day to almost its end already on a day when the entire office is bored and with nothing to do. This is just a time waster for me. Its fun to see you ner ds squirm around trying to insult me and think that i actually care about anything you say!
Dude is your shift about over yet?
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
Purdue by 6
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
5150
I’m going with W. Michigan in this one.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
TRUE, what puzzles me about the 1942 title that you claim, is that nobody outside of UGA recognizes that one, but I don’t know why. Do you?
No clue, its the same with the 1990 title for yall. I know yall claim it and we dont recognize it, but I dont know why. Heck some ppl dont give us credit for the 1980 one either. Until there is a playoff system they will all be contested.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:56 pm
TRUE, even though keeping us on the sideline will definitely keep us from scoring, it’s not the opposing team’s defense that is causing that. Your defense was actually somewhat better this year than last year in preventing us from having the long, time-consuming drives. That is where we needed TW to be able to pass the ball, which he couldn’t do.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:56 pm
48……..True’s mom still has him in the basement sorting Nuts & Bolts into lil Ziploc bags.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:57 pm
WOW waht a HUGE sack. the Purdue QB has to throw away a few of those passes.
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
4:57 pm
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
True dawg fan said….
Hahaha and you still dont get it. Its almost 3PM and im at work. I have successfully sped up my day to almost its end already on a day when the entire office is bored and with nothing to do. This is just a time waster for me. Its fun to see you ner ds squirm around trying to insult me and think that i actually care about anything you say!
Dude is your shift about over yet?
I work 8:30 to 5 monday through friday big guy. If you dont like what I have to say then dont read it.
But dont worry Im off for the day. And good news for you im off on friday as well so I wont be here then either!
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
5150
Lol
I just wet my pants a little on that one!
What?
December 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
Truelly a Troglodyte Dawg Fan, so you post incoherent drivel on a public forum? You should run for office genius!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
MISSED the FG damn that hurt.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
A bunch of the TECH players on FaceBook say they are having a good time in El Paso.
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
True
Be car full driving home, good buddy!
True Dawg Fan
December 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
4:56 pm
TRUE, even though keeping us on the sideline will definitely keep us from scoring, it’s not the opposing team’s defense that is causing that. Your defense was actually somewhat better this year than last year in preventing us from having the long, time-consuming drives. That is where we needed TW to be able to pass the ball, which he couldn’t do.
Alright last response and Im out.
I know it doesnt count toward the defense but its the time tested best way to deal with a gimmick offense like the triple option. Keep them on the sideline where they cant do any damage and then when they get on the field use pure size and speed to handle the pitches and dives. You just have to man up and make sure everyone knows who they have and then just play. Until you get a passer though its one demtional and no one fears the pass.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Somebody gave WALLER the Photo of his Blocked punt in the UGA game. it is Big and very nice.
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:01 pm
5150
Did they go swimming in the RIO Grande?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
5:01 pm
TRUE, ONLY UGA denies Tech the 1990 title, for the silly reason that it was a shared title. That is, however, not the only shared championship year in NCAA history. SEVERAL teams have through the years shared titles, and they all count. I’m not just saying that Tech doesn’t count your 1942 title; although it DOES appear in records, for some reason, it is not recognized overall as a national championship. I guess it has something to do with it being during the War. From purely a Tech point of view, it seems rather strange (and totally biased) that you would claim a title during the War years, but you refuse to count the Tech wins over UGA during those same years. Smacks of hypocrisy, don’t you think? I never heard anybody dispute your 1980 championship though, although you really sneaked one in beating a Notre Dame team that had to come from behind just to tie a lowly Tech team that year.
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:02 pm
Dang it!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:03 pm
TRUE drive? Those people RIDE. They live life Riding on the SHORT BUS. They don’t get Driver Licenses.
Purdue with the PICK.
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
1st TO better than Delay of game on 3rd & 3.
Supersize that order, mutt
December 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
TRUE, I hope you read this, because I am actually being sincere. WHEN you actually talk about football, whether it be specific games or techniques, or history, you seem like a decent guy. But let’s face it, the majority of your posts today have been nothing but insults. Keep to the high road and talk about facts and simply-stated opinions (not the trashy ones), and you might even find some friends here. LOL
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
Boil er up!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:06 pm
1st DOWN
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:07 pm
No we FRY our Twinkies. LOL
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:07 pm
True
Don’t make friends with 5150!
He will eat all your twinkees!
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:08 pm
DING!
Twinkies up!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:08 pm
48 they are reporting CHUCKY is leaving MNF and going back to coaching. I think maybe Gruden “lil Chucky” would be GREAT at Penn State.
Dawg48
December 27th, 2011
5:09 pm
That was the best catch of the bowl season so far!p
Great catch!
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
5:11 pm
The Whiskey Sours with a TD!!!!!!!!!!!
Damn I mean the Boiler Makers. I get those drinks mixed up.