Georgia Tech gameday
Three storylines
1. How will the Georgia Tech offense function against the Virginia Tech defense?
Last year, the Hokies finished in the top 10 in scoring defense and total defense and return nine starters (eight will play Monday). Georgia Tech is stocked on the offensive line and A-back Orwin Smith is a proven playmaker, but the wide receivers are an inexperienced group and last year’s starting B-back, David Sims, is hobbled and likely won’t play much. The Yellow Jackets will need contributions from B-backs Charles Perkins and Zach Laskey and in the passing game from quarterback Tevin Washington.
2. What will the special teams look like?
Monday will be the anticipated debut for Georgia Tech special-teams coordinator David Walkosky, coach Paul Johnson’s first pure special-teams coach. Players have given positive reviews to Walkosky’s intensity and the depth of his schemes. However, special teams looked good in practice last year, as Johnson noted, but subpar results on the field led to Walkosky’s hire. Tony Zenon and Smith will be on kickoff return duty, while Jemea Thomas will take back punts.
3. Can the secondary handle Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas?
Georgia Tech will be without two starters, safety Fred Holton (undisclosed injury) and cornerback Louis Young (suspension). Bumping everyone up the depth chart two notches is precarious. Jamal Golden, who largely played special teams as a freshman last season, will start at safety and likely be depended upon at multiple spots in the backfield. True freshman D.J. White could see the field as well as Coray Carlson, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship in August.
A win for Georgia Tech would…
Be the first for the Jackets in the Johnson era in Blacksburg, Va., following losses in 2008 and 2010.
A win for Virginia Tech would …
Be its fifth in six years against Georgia Tech.
Matchup to watch
Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes vs. Georgia Tech inside linebacker Jabari Hunt-Days
Both are redshirt freshmen playing – and starting – in their first college games at crucial positions, and both will be expected to produce. That said, it’s a near certainty that both will make mistakes out of anxiety or lack of experience, maybe a fumble by Holmes or a blown assignment by Hunt-Days. Both sides are just hoping they won’t be game-changing.
The history book
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 6-3
Last meeting: At Bobby Dodd Stadium last Nov. 10, Georgia Tech took a 26-21 third-quarter lead but then surrendered the final 16 points in a 37-21 loss that eliminated the Jackets from ACC title contention.
Tweet of the week
Q: What does VT do after beating GT in football? A: turn off the playstation. #avengenesbitt 9/3
Jeff Schultz predicts…
Virginia Tech
To take on Jeff in Sack Schultz in coming weeks and compete for a trip to Hawaii, among other things, go here.
(and tease to Sack Schultz contest on ajc.com)
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629 comments Add your comment
Wrecker
September 3rd, 2012
10:30 am
Not confident about this first game.
Wrecker
September 3rd, 2012
10:32 am
I foresee lots of mistakes by both sides. Va. Tech is a notoriously slow starter. The TO/spread offense typically takes 2-3 games to get going. Both sides are starting some new people. If the Jackets can stop the run and control the clock, they can win. If they allow Wilson’s replacement to go off, they could lose by 14.
Techboy23
September 3rd, 2012
10:38 am
Let’s go Tech; tear VPI up!!!!
Gorilla Biscuit
September 3rd, 2012
10:57 am
VT.
AtWork
September 3rd, 2012
10:59 am
In Game coaching will be key in this game. Since mistakes are going to happen can the coach correctly change play calling and can the players adjust fast enough.
I think CPJ an the Jackets get it done.
GO JACKETS! BUZZ THEIR ASS!
Techboy23
September 3rd, 2012
11:00 am
Ken, Thank you for your reporting!
I think that Tech’s Offense performs well; with positives on Passing game, including a couple series with Vad Lee perhaps!?
Special Teams are a focus because of new coach and previous poor performances, I am cautiously optimistic here.
It’s time for the 3-4 defense to step up and stop the run and coverage mistakes. No excuses!
Born2Buzz
September 3rd, 2012
11:23 am
Thanks Wrecker for that strong analysis. Yea, the TO always takes 2-3 weeks to get going, like last year when in the first 3 games, granted against inferior opponents, It averaged almost 60 pts and 500 yds.
Here’s why you should feel a little more confident:
We have an experienced OL and a Sr QB. They know the scheme and how to execute it. We have game breaking speed at RB, both AB and BB. OK, we have inexperience at WR so that is a concern. But these kids have all been recruited to play the position and are physically studs. Plus VT’s secondary is the weak part of their D.
We have an experienced DL, finally with a bit of size. And the LB’s are finally the athlete’s needed to play in Groh’s D, even if experience is a little lacking.
Reasons to worry? It’s in Blacksburgh, a tough place to play. They have a stud for a QB. They have an experienced D.
I expect a close game, and I expect to see some offensive wrinkles that VT (or anybody for that matter) has ever seen. If the D is better we win.
Both teams are going to be pumped! Let’s enjoy it.
Destin Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
11:30 am
Go Jackets.. we both have big challenges on the Road at night in hostile environments…. this week… hope we can BOTH pull ‘em out!!
Paul in NH
September 3rd, 2012
11:31 am
I wouldn’t bet on this game with someone else’s money. I have no idea what to expect – although I took VT in Sack Schultz. I will be happy with a well-played game and no injuries.
Fair n Balanced
September 3rd, 2012
11:39 am
I don’t see how Tech wins this game. .
keep up the good work # 40
September 3rd, 2012
11:40 am
all i remember is that victory formation
Wrecker
September 3rd, 2012
11:42 am
@Born2Buzz: I am a huge Jackets fan, but pointing out our stats against WCU, MTSU, and Kansas does not suggest that we are “fast starters.” That said, I hope you are right.
Wrecker
September 3rd, 2012
11:44 am
And you want some real analysis? How about that we have scored an average of 20 points against VT in the 9 game series, while giving up an average of 30.
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
11:44 am
The Pro Mark Bradley predicted the Jackets to win, I agree.
Techboy23
September 3rd, 2012
11:46 am
Ok, here goes…..
Tech 31
VPI 21
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
11:49 am
T.J. Barnes has got bigger hokies to fry.
GT1982
September 3rd, 2012
11:50 am
“Georgia Tech took a 26-21 third-quarter lead but then surrendered the final 16 points in a 37-21 loss”
So we somehow lost 5 points by the end of the game? Try proofreading Ken.
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
11:51 am
TECH 40
VPI 17
GT Rich
September 3rd, 2012
11:57 am
Tevin’s timing and placement on passes in last year’s first 6 games was spot on. Let’s hope for the same start, especially after another spring & summer to keep working at it. S. Hill, Zenon and Smith were his fav targets. 2 of 3 are back.
I’m betting we get good pressure against the young VT O-line.
GT 24 VT 17
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
12:10 pm
Tevin Washington, big O, attack, the Days Bros., the two deep offensive line, all the B Backs, the rest of the A Backs, the two Big Recievers, the flamboyant defense, the special teams with a coordinator
and # 40 should be tuned up and ready to go.
yeller bug
September 3rd, 2012
12:11 pm
What’s the weathr forecast? If it’s not raining, but a wet field then that is OK—maybe and advantage to GT, but if it rains during the game, then that hurts us. VT throws a lot and will drop some balls but a dropped pass is simply an incompletion….a dropped pitch is a fumble.
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
12:20 pm
Coach, I’m behind you,
Let’s hope Charles Perkins gets 200 yards starting his first game at B Back
for the # 2 rushing attack in the nation.
Jacket Detective
September 3rd, 2012
12:21 pm
GT’s experienced offense vs VT’s experienced defense.
VT’s inexperienced offense (QB excepted) vs GT inexperienced defense (Attaochu excepted)
Clemson blew a number of coverages Saturday night and still managed to win.
I am glad Attaochu patched things up with Logan Thomas.
Very smart move on his part after a dumb one during last year’s game.
I hope he can make up for last year with a very good game tonight.
He may be our best defender.
keep up the good work number 40
September 3rd, 2012
12:25 pm
I hope Logan Thomas needs patched up after he messes with # 40.
Artillery Jacket
September 3rd, 2012
12:31 pm
I watched “wrecked effects” hype video on YouTube yesterday, definetly has me excited for the game/season! I believe GT will come out strong and get ahead early. I am concerned about the D staying tough against Logan Thomas for 60 minutes. If he keeps bulldozing ahead and picking on the few inexperienced players in the secondary, it could be a tough 4th quarter. I know we can win this…Go Jackets!!!
collegeballfan
September 3rd, 2012
12:46 pm
This is the same offensive line that had trouble blocking quality defenses last year.
Team…….rushes…..yards…….passing
VT………….49………. 243……5-11-0…97 yds
at Miami….48………. 134……7-14-1.. 77 yds
UGA……….53………. 243……6-17-2. 112 yds
It is the same players from last year. Has the OL improved since last year?
The starting B Back is injured, the receivers are zero for zero in college games and we have injuries in the OL.
On paper this does not look good. But as coach says, “we will play the game anyway”.
Dawg2
September 3rd, 2012
12:47 pm
Good luck GT..giv’em hell!
TechApp fan
September 3rd, 2012
12:54 pm
While bush-hogging this AM, I “found” a yellow jackets nest and have already been stung today by a swarm of ill jackets! I consider that an omen. Perhaps the hokies will also feel the sting of a swarm!
The key (that everyone knows)…stop that big QB.
sean jones
September 3rd, 2012
12:57 pm
the DWAGs play “old man football”
sean jones
September 3rd, 2012
12:58 pm
GT 31 VT 27
sean jones
September 3rd, 2012
12:59 pm
i wud hate to see what that young man from MIZZU wud say abt GT’s style of football. Maybe “Prehistoric”???
Big Crimson 75
September 3rd, 2012
1:00 pm
Supe/bobby/51/blt/14/lee/ol jack — good luck gents.
If y’all handle Logan Thomas tonight — game over.
GT 34 VT 27.
I’ll be buzzin’ tonight!!
GIVE ME A BREAK
September 3rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Thanks to all the dawgs for the positive vents. ” CRANK IT UP JACKETS “
CHIPPERisBEST
September 3rd, 2012
1:02 pm
WHAT TIME DOES TOE MEET LEATHER?
sean jones
September 3rd, 2012
1:03 pm
AL GROH will lose it for us. Thomas will have a day
Dwayne C
September 3rd, 2012
1:03 pm
Va Tech 31 – Ga Tech 17
CHIPPERisBEST
September 3rd, 2012
1:04 pm
i agree Sean—al Groh stinks
CHIPPERisBEST
September 3rd, 2012
1:05 pm
the DWAGS looked awful—-so I pretty much had a great weekend.
sean jones
September 3rd, 2012
1:06 pm
mizzu cud challenge UGAG Sat night =D
GTfan
September 3rd, 2012
1:06 pm
Game 8PM on ESPN
A new season, get it done.
fuzzybee78
September 3rd, 2012
1:08 pm
Man I want this win bad! Need to see new guys step up. Perhaps Days at A or Perkins at B. New receivers make plays and open up the run game. NO TURNOVERS, get up and put pressure on their inexperienced O to catch up.
TW have a great game and write a new chapter in Blacksburg!
PAT SWILLING/ROCK PERDONI
September 3rd, 2012
1:13 pm
D E F E N S E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reebok
September 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
I am sure GT put in some wrinkles on offense that the Hokies haven’t planned for, but I still give VT the nod. I hope I am wrong!
Ole Big Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
1:19 pm
Lets go ga tech….u fellars play hard now u hear
5150 UOAD
September 3rd, 2012
1:23 pm
Big Crimson 75
September 3rd, 2012
12:52 pm
Detective — who did Ken replace?
I don’t remember.
======================================
UGa grad and Soccer lover Doug Roberson that now covers GaState.
5150 UOAD
September 3rd, 2012
1:24 pm
Big Crimson 75
September 3rd, 2012
12:52 pm
Detective — who did Ken replace?
I don’t remember.
======================================
UGa grad and Soccer lover Doug Roberson that now covers GaState. He sucked and didn’t write many articles compared to Ken and he didn’t put in the work Ken does.
Doug would rather cover English Premier League Soccer if anybody cared to read about it.
yeller bug
September 3rd, 2012
1:30 pm
Would love to run a 1/4 mile on the Hokies—440 yds rushing—200 from the B-back and 160 from A-back with another 80 from our QB. Hope to see Snoddy in there at B-back and break one open. This is CPJs chance to show what he can do as an “Offensive genius”.
Big Crimson 75
September 3rd, 2012
1:31 pm
51 — English Premier Soccer??!!
What’s wrong with that guy? Is he a Rinehart?
5150 UOAD
September 3rd, 2012
1:32 pm
Weather map of Blacksburg
http://www.weather.com/weather/right-now/USVA0068:1
5150 UOAD
September 3rd, 2012
1:34 pm
No Doug is a UGa grad now he is stinking up the GaState blog. LOL he really got demoted.