Notes: Tech defense prepping for problematic formation
Notes for Friday’s paper.
1. In advance of its Saturday game against Boston College, the Georgia Tech defense has been working on defending the stacked receivers look that Middle Tennessee State and Clemson both used effectively against the Yellow Jackets. In it, one wide receiver lines up at the line of scrimmage and a second takes his stance behind him. As both run downfield, the second can run behind the first without getting bumped at the line, allowing an unencumbered start to his route.
“Things that have given you problems in the past, you’re going to see them again until you fix ’em,” interim defensive coordinator Charles Kelly said. “That wouldn’t surprise me to see that.”
Kelly, who was last a coordinator in 2005 at Nicholls State, will call plays from the coaches box, with the calls signaled in from the sideline. Said Kelly of rehearsing play-calling, “You kind of do that in practices.” Much of the work is done in meetings with the defensive staff to decide what defenses to call in various situations.
“All the other coaches have a lot of input,” Kelly said. “I’m going to say it 100 times. This is a ‘we’ thing.”
2. With a three-game losing streak, it isn’t a high priority, but Tech players, in particularly the offensive linemen, have a goal of leading the country in rushing. Tech is No. 3 at 331.0 yards per game, half a football field behind Army (385.2). Tech has finished no worse than fourth since Johnson’s arrival in 2008 and led the country in 2010 at 323.3 yards per game.
“That’s on us,” offensive lineman Will Jackson said. “If it happens, we helped get it there, and if it doesn’t, we feel like we kind of take sole responsibility for it.”
3. Coach Paul Johnson’s first ACC game and victory came against Boston College Sept. 6, 2008, a 19-16 win in Chestnut Hill, Mass. In the game, Tech won despite giving away three fumbles and gaining only 235 yards. After Tech scored on a safety, B-back Jonathan Dwyer ran 43 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter.
“That was probably one of our better defensive games since I’ve been here,” Johnson said.
Out of the 14 games that Tech has played under Johnson in which it has scored 20 or fewer points, it’s one of only two wins. The 10-7 win over Gardner-Webb in 2008 is the other.
4. Ticket demand for Saturday’s game is something less than gangbusters. On Thursday evening on the ticket re-sale website Stubhub, the least expensive tickets were going for $9. Upper end-zone seats were available for $12 and lower-deck sideline tickets were on sale for as little as $19.
5. Thursday, center Jay Finch was listed as probable to play in Saturday’s game, while B-back Broderick Snoddy was doubtful. Snoddy’s injury is undisclosed. Finch injured his calf in the Oct. 6 game against Clemson. … The television broadcast team for Saturday’s game will be Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Keith Jones (color) and Jenn Hildreth (sideline). The game will be televised on regional sports networks, including Fox Sports South in the Atlanta market.
After a fan fell onto the ground from railings at Bobby Dodd Stadium in each of the past two home games, the athletic department has asked stadium security personnel to be increasingly vigilant of untoward fan behavior, particularly near stadium railings and fences, Tech spokesman Wayne Hogan said in an e-mail. Neither fan was seriously injured. The second fan, a Tech freshman, later told police he had been drinking a lot of alcohol prior to the Sept. 29 Middle Tennessee State game.
In case you missed it…
Tech bracing for up-tempo pace
Tech offensive line trying to meet Sewak’s standard
Bohannon sees ‘arrows up’ for Lee
Notes: Tech seeking second-half rally
Johnson on defense: ‘We don’t need 80 calls’
Tech notes: Washington firm at quarterback
Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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64 comments Add your comment
bob in nc
October 18th, 2012
9:20 pm
thanks ken, hope the kids get back on track
ENGRGT
October 18th, 2012
9:23 pm
I believe
George Stein
October 18th, 2012
9:27 pm
Wait. Nothing on Vad Lee? I want my money back!
GT Joe
October 18th, 2012
9:41 pm
George, I can bring up Vad if you’d like.
FL Jacket
October 18th, 2012
9:51 pm
GT Joe…don’t you refer to him as Saint Vad?
GT Fan
October 18th, 2012
10:09 pm
“Snoddy’s injury is undisclosed” … undisclosed, shocker!
How does a guy the PJ never plays get hurt? Is this a PJ fabrication so he won’t look stupid for not playing him?
GT Fan
October 18th, 2012
10:11 pm
guy THAT PJ never plays…
Dam*, I suck at typing!
GT Fan
October 18th, 2012
10:13 pm
Seriously, I don’t thing Snoddy played vs. Clemson. So when/how did he get injured???
Same Old
October 18th, 2012
10:17 pm
5-7, no, 4-8 this year
FL Jacket
October 18th, 2012
10:19 pm
GT Fan…we have a thing called HIPPA in this country that respects an indicidual’s right to keeping their injury private (unless authorized by that individual).
Same Old
October 18th, 2012
10:21 pm
Two more losse to uga
Two more years of Johnson
No bowl embarassment this year ’cause we won’t go to a bowl!
Delbert D.
October 18th, 2012
10:32 pm
since everyone is down in the dumps, I have some good news from an inside source. Corn Elder will become a Jacket soon. Also, I have it on good authority that Asher Allen will bee a Jacket by NSD. Lastly, CPJ has been told that the bowl streak must stay intact or his job will be in serious jeopardy. In other words, he will be urged to find employment elsewhere forgoing the buyout. That is all. I bid ye all a good night. Peace.
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
October 18th, 2012
10:36 pm
Imagine that freshman drank a lot at the game! What do these kids think college is?
Gr8 2B aFuzzyB
October 18th, 2012
10:37 pm
Wow. Thanks for the scoop Delbert. I’m not really up so well on the recruiting. Tell me more about Elder and Allen.
List Mama » Notes: Tech defense prepping for problematic formation – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
October 18th, 2012
11:04 pm
[...] Notes: Tech defense prepping for problematic formationAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)In advance of its Saturday game against Boston College, the Georgia Tech defense has been working on defending the stacked receivers look that Middle Tennessee State and Clemson both used effectively against the Yellow Jackets. In it, one wide receiver …Boston College Eagles at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Preview, prediction, TV …CBSSports.com (blog)ACC Division Realignment Hypothetical: A Boston College Georgia Tech Swap?BC InterruptionGeorgia Tech looks for a do-over after dismal 1st halfBoston HeraldKansas City Star -SB Nation -From The Rumble Seatall 106 news articles » [...]
BS Patrol
October 18th, 2012
11:11 pm
Maybe you can find something about the recruits on Carvell’s doggie recruiting blog, ya think? Nah.
Biff Pocoroba
October 18th, 2012
11:31 pm
Snoddy got hurt falling over a railing leaning against it on the sidelines. I can’t believe that a fan woull have been drinking heavily during the MTSU game. That one was so enjoyable, you needed to be sober to enjoy it all.
GT Fan
October 19th, 2012
12:12 am
Nice one Biff Pocoroba!
FL Jacket, see….now was that so bad to report how Snoddy got hurt? Hope the HIPPA, hippa, pottomous folks aren’t too upset.
GT Fan
October 19th, 2012
12:14 am
It just occured to me why BJ Bostic hasn’t seen the field recently ….. he’s got an “undisclosed injury”
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 19th, 2012
12:35 am
Probably injured in practice.
GTGirl
October 19th, 2012
12:42 am
@ Biff-LOL! Thanks for making me laugh! I was at that game wishing I had something to drink!
Jacket Detective
October 19th, 2012
5:58 am
“Tech defense prepping for problematic formation.”
Finally.
Surprised we have not seem more of it since NC State and Russell Wilson in 2010 game used it as a security blankett. Whenever our fans tried to get into the game, he would just throw it out to the receiver behind the line and pick up a sure 5 yards or more.
Why didn’t we read about Al doing this?
Still stumped after three years with all his football knowledge?
Jacket Detective
October 19th, 2012
7:10 am
I need to move on and stop being negative.
Groh’s gone and for once we are not stuck paying a fired coach forever.
We can start a winning streak here and I really think we will.
This is a huge opportunity for all the coaches.
College players can get over things though once us bloggers get in a rut, it is tough to reboot ourselves.
I’m going to try.
No more Groh bashing though it might help if player-bashing would stop as well.
I am different from some fans because I just can’t see bashing college players.
I would never have said anything bad about Nesbitt but did so to point out how he was saved by his defense a time or two when he failed on fourth down.
ramblingbuzz
October 19th, 2012
7:33 am
JD….I’m with you. the coaches are fair game. they get paid to do a competent job. the athletes, not so much, at least at GT.
GT
October 19th, 2012
7:35 am
I felt like tossing Groh over that rail a couple of times in that Middle Tenn. game.
College football coaches made a lot of sense until we started paying them astronomical sums of money knowing at least 50% of them will be failures. It made bums out of an honest profession. In fact money has taken the humor out of a lot of things now days almost like communism in reverse with the same results.
ramblingbuzz
October 19th, 2012
7:39 am
The entire salary structure in sports is unbelievable. Mainly for professional atheletes, but as you point out, the college coaches are benefitting from that salary inflation too. At least the head coaches.
Lastest Tech News | Business Web Tech
October 19th, 2012
8:55 am
[...] Notes: Tech defense prepping fοr problematic formation In advance οf іtѕ Saturday game against Boston College, thе Georgia Tech defense hаѕ bееn working οn defending thе stacked receivers look thаt Middle Tennessee State аnd Clemson both used effectively against thе Yellow Jackets. In іt, one wide receiver … Read more οn Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
GT
October 19th, 2012
9:15 am
Clemson the defending Atlantic Coast Conference champions are paying out a combined $2.1 million this season for their coordinators. Second-year offensive leader Chad Morris is the highest paid assistant in college football at $1.3 million a year. He came out of Texas as a high school coach just two years ago. Even there he was making over 100,000. And this is not even the SEC.
Like I use to say about Sabin if he doesn’t produce at that salary, they have a legal right to hang the man on the square at noon. He has my respect, he invited the pressure, he performed, end of subject.
Mark Richt hedges his failure with a religious cover, but how much religion goes into taking money, that kind of money, and not producing the product the customer expected. Seems that is stealing to me. Love to hear what Spurrier says about it. They get the same results in South Carolina but they are thinking they are getting their money’s worth, as had Tech until the defense turned into a screen door on a submarine. Johnson will survive this; he is an honest good coach, which controls overreaching expectations, with more than enough help from the press. That same press is cooking Richt, at the same time Richt thinks he is controlling it. Reality always finds a way into the reality.
Tom
October 19th, 2012
9:57 am
Any team with the ball, in any formation will be problematic for Tech’s defense. They don’t tackle, fight off blocks or cover receivers. That’s not effected by any formation.
yellow britches
October 19th, 2012
10:02 am
If the Tech defense continues the past level of ineptness, many more people will be falling (jumping) out of the upper decks. Our talent base may not be up to UGA or Alabama standards but for gosh sakes not one can convince me we can’t line up and play Middle Tennessee State mano a mano. That is coaching, pure and simple.
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
10:21 am
superDawg, per Supersize that order, mutt:
come to the lot at the corner of 2nd and W P’Tree (juvenal’s spot), and look for a youngish guy (31 years old) in a wheelchair, probably wearing a Falcons jersey. I am bringing my friend from Augusta with cerebral palsy, and that’s what he usually wears. We should be there no later than 12:30.
Coach Z
October 19th, 2012
10:32 am
I like the “we” comments I keep hearing from Coach Kelly. I also am amazed at how each assistant on defence is adding “input” to the game plan. It makes me wonder about Groh’s presence. Were the defence assistants afraid to confront him? Was Groh not willing to see things differently? How come now we hear all this discussion about defense and the O-line should have been addressed after the VT game? All this new found energy makes we wonder what Coach’s meetings were like prior to Groh’s firing. Whatever it is, it’s much better now becaus we are hearing from the defense side of the ball.
Jacket Detective
October 19th, 2012
10:32 am
@yellow britches.
Our team was demoralized by three every similar losses: bowl game, VT and Miami.
They were similar in that we had leads in all three that would be safe with just an average defense.
That is past.
The problem has been removed.
With the energy from the newly promoted coaches, we should see a different team the rest of the way.
I’ll be the first to say I was wrong if things do not improve a lot.
juvenal
October 19th, 2012
10:42 am
Lee, check the book blog……
Al Bundy
October 19th, 2012
10:47 am
I have been very critical of CPJ and CAG this entire season, but CPJ has made a change to try and right the ship. I will give it a chance before I continue to pile on over the choices he makes. This team and coaching staff deserves our support. If CPJ says Vad isn’t ready to play then guess what, Vad isn’t ready to play! A defensive change has been made so I say let’s give it a chance to work. Go Jackets!
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
10:53 am
Way to be positive Al! Now go sell some shoes, you’ve got a wedding to pay for! And make sure the Dodge is tuned up so next season you can join us for a game at BDS….and bring your Polk High Championship Trophy.
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
10:53 am
saw it, juvenal!
Barry's Uncle
October 19th, 2012
11:22 am
Saw it too
yellow britches
October 19th, 2012
11:41 am
Jacket Detective: Man, I hope you’re right. My tickets are close to the rail.
Say what, Delbert...
October 19th, 2012
12:14 pm
…last time I saw Asher Allen he was getting torched at UGA on his way to the MN Vikings where he was last heard from beating up someone during the off season, at which time last June he announced his retirement…
Jmonty
October 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
There is a simple defensive method to cover the stacked WR issue. You bump and run the first and the seond spies behind and if they try a quick slant, you step in front. The spy needs to watch the QB’s eyes. If the receiver goes long, the safety covers in the 2 deep zone. It’s not that hard people. Why do that make it seem like a 10,000 number algebra problem? You can still zone bltiz. You can still play a trap zone with a 2 deep zone. The stack offense only poses issues for those not willing to break from man to man coverage. How is it, I (not a paid coach) knows this? Defense is all about tackling and pressure. You get pressure on the QB it limits the double moves with the receivers. Not one QB can complete a pass if he is on is arse…
GT Fan
October 19th, 2012
12:53 pm
Say what, Delbert #2 …
Dude, I darn sure hope you’re not just talking to hear yourself talk b/c this Corn(elius) Elder is a hot prospect (Bama, Ohio St, Nebraska, UCLA, Tennessee, Iowa, and many more have offered).
Clicked on the player news link for CE, and he seems to be pretty excited with Ohio St. Would be huge if GT were to get him.
Uh, GT Fan...
October 19th, 2012
1:55 pm
…who, other than Delbert, mentioned anything about CE – the comment was about the other kid Delbert mentioned, Asher Allen, dude…
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
Delbert D.
October 18th, 2012
10:32 pm
since everyone is down in the dumps, I have some good news from an inside source. Corn Elder will become a Jacket soon. Also, I have it on good authority that Asher Allen will bee a Jacket by NSD. Lastly, CPJ has been told that the bowl streak must stay intact or his job will be in serious jeopardy. In other words, he will be urged to find employment elsewhere forgoing the buyout. That is all. I bid ye all a good night. Peace.
__________________________
See it now, Uh?
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
Nevermind, Uh, I missed the “other than Delbert” part….my bad…
Uh, GT Lee, or is it GT Fan...
October 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
…kind of losing sight of which handle your writing under aren’t you…
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
3:12 pm
Uh, I am not Gt Fan……and I admitted it was my bad, dude……can you not read?
Barry's Uncle
October 19th, 2012
3:42 pm
@GT Lee…don’t fall for it…Lol!
GT Lee is a Tool
October 19th, 2012
3:57 pm
GT Lee sounds like a scared little girl
Jmonty
October 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
Elder is a 4 star RB, correct?? If so, that would be a great addition..
Supersize that order, mutt
October 19th, 2012
4:41 pm
I can assure you, GT Lee is more of a man than you will ever be.
Barry's Uncle
October 19th, 2012
4:45 pm
@Supersize….Good post. @GT Lee is a Tool…Get a life.
GT Lee
October 19th, 2012
5:23 pm
GT Lee is a Tool
October 19th, 2012
3:57 pm
GT Lee sounds like a scared little girl
___________________________________
LOL…..says the pu$$y who hides behind an anonymous screen name. Come on down to BDS tomorrow and tell me to my face.
Barry's Uncle
October 19th, 2012
5:29 pm
@GT Lee….don’t let him get under your skin. Your reaction makes you look aggressive and petty. Just ignore him and he will go away.
1 4 GT
October 19th, 2012
6:29 pm
I’m thinking about growing a ponytail.
CoolBreeze
October 19th, 2012
6:52 pm
JMonty, you got it right. The Giants turned Brady into an average QB with a bit of pressure…………
1 4 GT
October 19th, 2012
9:07 pm
I just ordered the book about Castleberry from Amazon.com at a good price. It will be delivered next Tuesday.
1 4 GT
October 19th, 2012
9:11 pm
name thief @ 6:29 PM & as usual the moderator is too gutless to ban his sorry behind.
GT Fan
October 19th, 2012
10:21 pm
The sheriff is near!
PE Major from Western Carolina is ready to fry some fish
October 19th, 2012
10:23 pm
$9.00 tickets.
billyBobjacket
October 20th, 2012
12:04 am
Maybe the “we” comments from Coach Kelly are so he doesn’t have to take all the blame when the results are no better than before. He will get a pass somewhat because defensive failures against the weak sister schedule coming up won’t result in losses, but against UGA (and if there is a bowl game) he will probably want to distance himself from full responsibility.
List Mama » Georgia Tech hopes to keep BC on run – Boston Herald
October 20th, 2012
4:00 am
[...] Daily NewsPREVIEW: Georgia Tech, Boston College look for much-needed winsThe Albany HeraldNotes: Tech defense prepping for problematic formationAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Macon Telegraph (blog) -SB Nation -SB Nation Boston [...]
dwag not
October 20th, 2012
4:01 pm
go jackets
OldSchoolTechFanatic
October 20th, 2012
4:25 pm
OK where are the doughters ???