Paul Johnson, fount of hope?
A few quick notes from the Paul Johnson news conference before going out to talk to players and coaches post-practice:
1. Johnson commented on Middle Tennessee State that the Blue Raiders have won two in a row (Florida Atlantic and Memphis) and have scored a lot of points. They play out of a spread on offense and have a returning starter at quarterback (Logan Kilgore). Defensively, MTSU has a new coordinator (Tyrone Nix).
“Our goal is to come back and try to have a great week of practice and come back and play well on Saturday,” he said.
2. On the secondary: “I think that before Saturday, they played fairly well. Saturday was not a great day for anybody. It’s like anything else. When you’re playing coverage back there and you’re matched up and there’s not a lot of pressure, there’s going to be some exposure. I think you have to give the other team some credit. They have pretty good receivers and their quarterback was hot and they made some plays.”
3. Jamal Golden will see more time at punt return after a strong game there against Miami.
4. No lineup changes due to performance from last week. There may be a couple injury-related changes. It’s conceivable cornerback Louis Young may not play. Johnson said that he’ll take the redshirt off of cornerback D.J. White as “we’ve got some injuries and we need him back in the secondary.”
Johnson said that wide receiver Anthony Autry will play more. The other true freshmen besides White, Autry, Adam Gotsis and Ryan Rodwell will likely be redshirted.
Johnson: “We’re trying to do our best to redshirt most of hat class and not waste a year for them to be mop-up guys.”
5. He’s not quite ready to concede anything.
“I don’t think anybody knows about (the possibility of achieving or not achieving) any goals four games into the season. We’ve got teams in our league that haven’t played a conference game. (Yet) we’re already anointing conference champions. You have to play it and see what happens.”
“We’ve still got a ton to play for. We’ve played one-third of our season. Last year was a great example. We got off to a great start and didn’t finish well. This year, we get off to a mediocre start. Maybe we have a great finish.”
“Call me an optimist. I don’t think anybody’s ever considered me a real optimist about things, but I guess I see it a little differently.”
In case you missed it…
The meaning of Tech giving up 609 yards
After Miami loss, Tech tries to regroup
Mark Bradley: Johnson’s approach hurting Tech
Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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
239 comments Add your comment
Full Metal Jacket
September 25th, 2012
9:29 pm
I agree that we have to make improvements this year in the here and now, but since everyone knows that the pre-season primary goals were to win the division and the conference, it is only logical to think of those goals in terms of next year. I will be at every home game and several away games the rest of the season and cheering loud as ever. I am confident we can still win 8 or 9 this year and that is not too bad. But in terms of championships, we’re already one-third of the way through the schedule and we’re already in a deep hole.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 25th, 2012
9:31 pm
@ OkieDawg…..you have made quite a few posts in the past that totally ticked me off, but I have to hand it to you. You’ve been pretty classy in most of your posts since the game Saturday. Keep it up
Full Metal Jacket
September 25th, 2012
9:33 pm
Even though I am posting about next year, I came to the realization some years ago that I just go to each game and enjoy the plays as they’re made. When we win, we stick around and sing the song with the team and the students, and when we lose, I just cut it loose and don’t worry, kvetch, or waste any time over it. Life is too short to base happiness on the actions of a bunch of kids playing a game. Go Jackets! I’ll cheer for you when you play and commend you when you win, but I won’t cry for you when you lose. It is only a game.
Tech rebounding after Miami loss | Georgia Tech
September 25th, 2012
9:37 pm
[...] Paul Johnson, fount of hope? [...]
chas_jacket
September 25th, 2012
9:41 pm
Think Clemson will be tough – at least my son will be at the game so I don’t have to watch with him on TV! If we lose to CU and one other before UGA, I think you will see Vad starting against Duke and playing against UGA.
CPJ knows that if things go south, that he will need to get Vad some more experience and give the Tech fan base a reason for optimism. Not that Teven didn’t play fairly well , but Vad may very well have completed some of those passes and also broken a few long runs. While we need to work on the defensive problems, keeping the other team’s offense off the field goes a long way to help a suspect defense.
Switching out a veteran senior for a redshirt freshman is probably the hardest decision for a coach – it’s not just skills but also leadership issues and is also more difficult since Tevin has worked very hard, been a model student and athlete. He has also improved his passing technique. Then there is the whole team issue – when you have a guy who has Tevin’s character as a senior, replacing him out of hand doesn’t always send the right signals to the players. But in the end you have to get the best players on the field to win. My two cents worth.
Jacket Detective
September 25th, 2012
9:42 pm
Hey Crimson.
I would like to read the Bama blogs when yall were losing to Auburn 6 in a row.
Shula must have gotten crucified and tar and feathered too.
GTard
September 25th, 2012
9:44 pm
I agree Full Metal Jacket, Ive learned(especially recently) that lifes too short to base your happiness on how a buncha guys you dont even know wins or not. When its all said and done, its how you lived for The Lord, and how you treat your loved ones. I’ll be excited when they win but I wont be too down when they lose. Anybody see how the Braves just clinched? Now THATS exciting!
Innocent Bystander
September 25th, 2012
9:51 pm
Note to Coach Johnson:
You don’t want to take the redshirt off of some freshmen to do mop up work?
Coach, you actually have to be in a position to win the game to have players do mop up work. I would only count on Duke giving you that opportunity going forward.
GT Joe
September 25th, 2012
9:53 pm
Sad. no mention of Vad Lee, which means we are stuck with Tevin for another game.
vad should have started last year. he likely won’t be a 4 year starter. we basically wasted two years (2011 and now 2012) on Tevin.
What a waste of talent?
Jacket Detective
September 25th, 2012
9:58 pm
I probably should not have gone to the game.
My mom died last Monday and the funeral was Friday.
I said to myself she would want me at the game but I seem a lot more cantankerous than usual after the defeat, so similar to the other two OT losses.
And maybe I should stay off the blogs like I did last week.
I do not like those knocking Tevin.
We put the brakes on Orwin when how many kickoffs have been returned for TDs from one yard or deeper in the endzone. You should want Orwin to have as many touches as possible.
And I think CPJ put the brakes on Tevin.
It must be Jacket mourning month as I have learned of two other fans who lost someone close to them too.
If you folks are happy with Groh and what he did to Virginia then I do not want to hear another word about Hewitt doing that to us.
Jacket Detective
September 25th, 2012
10:02 pm
You may be stuck with Tevin but I am not stuck with you.
You have just added one more vote to those voting with their feet.
Enjoy that empty stadium CPJ and CAG have given you for the last 4 games.
GTBob
September 25th, 2012
10:11 pm
Four games into the season and you are already looking to next year? Really?
I think people really just want another QB to get a chance at this point.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:12 pm
Sorry to hear of your loss JD. I’m sure this latest OT loss didn’t help. Hopefully we cruise this weekend and that may lift all of our spirits.
But I’m not convinced we will cruise this week. MTSU was idle last week and as someone said above they are playing pretty well. The big question is whether we go into a funk or do we recover from this latest setback. Ken, is CPJ really upbeat at this point? or is it just what he wants to portray? I for one am really concerned. I thought for sure after performance in the VT game that we were not mediocre. But even a good team can only handle so much. These were two extremely emotional losses. Yes we SHOULD handle MTSU but me thinks the psyche is pretty fragile right now.
Some good analysis above guys. FMJ and Chas, agree with many of your points.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:13 pm
Not looking to knock Tevin, but I’m with you GT Bob.
BLT
September 25th, 2012
10:16 pm
Did anyone see Godhigh get drilled by a Miami player? It was away from the action but he got up, shook his head and trotted off the field. He was shaken but not defeated! That is one tough kid! That and the Miami player ripping his helmet off after an 8 yard run make me proud of the Yellow Jackets!
I think the team will regroup and be ready the rest of the year. I can’t stay a negative fan. I expected more at this point but just like any adversity in life you pick yourself up and soldier thru!
Get after it Yellow Jackets! There’s stil plenty to play for!
GTBob
September 25th, 2012
10:17 pm
When you still have that many questions after 5 years, time to look at the Man who’s in Charge!
Big Crimson, we don’t have that many questions. Tech fans are just a little fickle after a tough loss. If your team ever loses again than you will know how it feels.
GT Joe
September 25th, 2012
10:17 pm
Tevin will have amonster game(as he always does against lesser teams). Then an average game against clemson capped by a game killing mistake that probably happens in OT…see a pattern forming?
ole yeller
September 25th, 2012
10:22 pm
Joe, I watched Clemson against FSU. Hope it gets as far as O.T. against them. I am afraid of a blowout against the Tigers. Sorry, but when you look at our defense and the offense displayed by Clemson, it’s scary.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:23 pm
I’m not at the games (unfortunately) so I can’t see what’s happening on the sidelines. But one concern I’ve had (not just this year) is whether there is any real player leadership on this team, especially offensively. It seems to me that CPJ’s nature doesn’t promote a player to step up and be a leader. Scold me if you disagree but even when Nesbitt was playing, the body language when players are around Coach looks sorta like everyone’s walking on egg shells. I can appreciate old school to an extent, but if you won’t let the players do some leading there’s only so far you can go as a team. That’s why I’d like to see Vad get a real opportunity, preferably soon, to see if the team might respond and we might find out if he’s a real leader or just another indian.
GTBob
September 25th, 2012
10:26 pm
I am afraid of a blowout against the Tigers.
That could happen but it looked like it was going to be even worse last year and we beat them with ease. We seem to have their number for some reason.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:28 pm
I don’t want to see another overtime game the rest of the season!
GTard
September 25th, 2012
10:30 pm
I think Tevin should still start but split time with Vad and I know the 2 QB deal hardly ever works but until 1 of em either really messes up or steps it up, that would be a way to let Tevin finish off his career AND look to the future since its unlikely they have ANY shot at Charlotte now.
ole yeller
September 25th, 2012
10:32 pm
I disagree with you GR8. Nesbett was a leader on offense. I agree there is not a leader on this team on either side of the ball.
Tech Forever
September 25th, 2012
10:35 pm
This wekk I bring my normal expectation and prediction for the Tech. I hope Tech plays well, there is no way I’m picking Tech to beat MTSU because there is no such thing as a “gimme” when it comes to Tech football.
Georgia Tech football….we’ve given away more games than Santa Claus.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:40 pm
yeller – I didn’t say Josh wasn’t a leader. Everyone knows he was a warrior and led us to the promised land. My point was that even with that trait, he seemed a little timid around CPJ.
ole yeller
September 25th, 2012
10:48 pm
Gr8 2B all of us had a boss now didn’t we? You learn from mistakes, or repeat them an get fired. I’m thinking Tevin may be on the cusp of being replaced.
Harry Reid
September 25th, 2012
10:53 pm
Time for Johnson to go!
billyBobjacket
September 25th, 2012
10:54 pm
Since we are looking up at such powerhouses as La Tech and La. Monroe, why is it that we think we can beat UGA? I think Grantham has the triple option figured out, they are too fast and athletic on the edge, and too big up front on D. Murray and all those receivers will pick us apart until we drop extra bodies back into coverage, then those freshman backs will eat us up. I was about to say that we would probably also lose to Clemson, but then I remembered “it’s Clemson”
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:55 pm
You’re right yeller, it’s required to respect your boss but when the communication is always one-sided then I’m not feeling very valued as an employee…and how am I then supposed to convey confidence to those that look to me for leadership if all my boss wants to do is pound his fist on the desk every time I make a suggestion. Put in that position, part of me would actually hope the boss would replace me with someone better for the good of the enterprise. Otherwise, it’s just a painful existence that does no one any good.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
September 25th, 2012
10:58 pm
Good one BillyB! You’re right that D line penetration makes it tough on us. Guess that’s true for most any offense. Sure hope we continue to have Clemson’s number like Miami has ours.
crap old same
September 25th, 2012
11:09 pm
lard ass has got to go.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 25th, 2012
11:33 pm
@ billyBobjacket…..the second half last year notwithstanding, Grantham doesn’t have a clue how to stop the triple option. The only reason Tech did not run up more yards and points last year was because the offense quit in the 3rd quarter, just like they did Saturday against Miami. Not saying Tech would have won last year, because I don’t think we would have, but it sure as hell would have been a lot closer if the offense hadn’t quit on us. “choke” sure didn’t show much ability to stop it in the first half.
Big Crimson 75
September 25th, 2012
11:49 pm
Jacket Detective
September 25th, 2012
9:42 pm
Hey Crimson.
I would like to read the Bama blogs when yall were losing to Auburn 6 in a row.
Shula must have gotten crucified and tar and feathered too.
—
Detective — who do you think was leading the Brigade!!
Big Crimson 75
September 25th, 2012
11:53 pm
GTBob
September 25th, 2012
10:26 pm
I am afraid of a blowout against the Tigers.
That could happen but it looked like it was going to be even worse last year and we beat them with ease. We seem to have their number for some reason.
—-
1 word — Dabo.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 25th, 2012
11:54 pm
LOL @ Crimson on leading the brigade. Good one
Also LOL on Dabo
Big Crimson 75
September 26th, 2012
12:03 am
Supe — Dabo’s act is getting old.
Nothing wrong with a little enthusiasm(might help Johnson from time to time), butt the constant acting like a kid @ Christmas is enough already.
He was the WR Coach @ Bama when I was in school, met him a few times — nice guy butt he didn’t act like that.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 26th, 2012
12:03 am
@ 75…..I didn’t remember that Dabo had been at Bama
1 4 GT
September 26th, 2012
12:08 am
I want to apologize for the negative things I posted after last Saturday. I was mad, disappointed, frustrated & anything else you want call it. If any team members read any of it, I hope they just laughed at an old fool. I probably should not have gone to the game. I am still dealing with a personal loss, and then the game added to my bad feelings. When the game was going our way, my spirits were lifted real high, and then I came crashing down. Anyway, I am mostly back to being my cranky ole poot ways. GT is my horse, if they never win another race. I don’t much care for a noon KO. I am used to getting out of bed when I wake up. Not when a damn alarm clock goes off. I expect GT will right the ship & play the best game possible. I have full confidence the coaches will have the best team on the field that gives us the best chance of winning. GOOOOO JACKETS THWGeorgie
1 4 GT
September 26th, 2012
12:09 am
BTW….I have read that this must be GT’s month for grieving. I know of a couple more guys that have suffered a personal loss as well. My sincerest condolences to them, along with prayers. Thanks!!
ole yeller
September 26th, 2012
12:09 am
I think yabba dabo dabo, actually played for the Tide.
Big Crimson 75
September 26th, 2012
12:14 am
14 — this is a passionate game.
I don’t think you were alone!!
Yeller — Correct, Dabo played, then did the grad asst thing, then position coach @ Bama.
ole yeller
September 26th, 2012
12:16 am
I thought so, seems to be a great fit at Clemson.
Big Crimson 75
September 26th, 2012
12:17 am
The Tech Game Saturday was VERY similar to many many many Shula games at Bama!!
Nothing like watching your team give a game away!!
ole yeller
September 26th, 2012
12:17 am
Enter your comments here
ole yeller
September 26th, 2012
12:34 am
Thanks for the support Big Crimson. Nothing like watching Aaron Murphy pass your team into oblivion. It will happen this year. The year of the tide is over. The only time I support UGA is when they play the over recruiting scabs from Alabama.
Big Crimson 75
September 26th, 2012
12:40 am
I’m sure they appreciate the support.
They don’t get it often, considering Bama & Ga play about 3 times a decade.
I’ll be in the lookout for that Aaron Murray passing machine though.
ole yeller
September 26th, 2012
12:42 am
That’s Murray not Murphy.
Big Crimson 75
September 26th, 2012
12:47 am
Yea, thanks for cleaning that up for me.
Bobby Rodriguez - #3
September 26th, 2012
1:46 am
Coach Fish Fry has to get dinner ready and talk about people with mental disabilities…..a great representative for “Georgia Tech University” in the words of former Tech scholar Stephon Marbury……Fun on the Flats….the Perfect Option….it’s Sting Time!!!!!
moobsjohnson
September 26th, 2012
5:50 am
LMAO. The only thing the Jackoffs will beat is their meat. Fu*ck Tech and may they roast in the fires of hell forever!