Tech defense bracing for more up-tempo
Some notes from interim defensive coordinator Charles Kelly’s interview Wednesday:
1. Kelly praised the collaborative work of defensive assistants Andy McCollum, Joe Speed and David Walkosky.
“Dave had some good ideas on protections, how to attack protections, Andy had some good ideas in coverage stuff,” he said. “It’s about making us better.”
Paul Johnson also has had input.
2. Kelly said that a number of second-team players or backups have performed well in practice, naming inside linebackers Anthony Harrell and Tremayne McNair and defensive backs Jamal Golden, D.J. White and Demond Smith.
“We’re looking forward to giving those guys an opportunity and see what they can do,” he said.
3. On preparing for play-calling responsibilities: “You kind of do that in practice. The coaches, we meet as a staff and we talk about situations, what we want to do in these situations and we’ll go over that with Coach Johnson, so he’s on the same page with what we’re thinking and he has a lot of input on that. All the other coaches have a lot of input. I’m going to say it 100 times. This is a ‘we’ thing.”
4. Kelly will be in the coaches box during games.
5. Kelly on Boston College: “They have some up-tempo, hurry-up. First of all, I think offenses, you start with their quarterback and their offensive line. Offensive line’s big, they’re good, they protect the quarterback. The quarterback (Chase Rettig) does a great job. He does a really good job of buying time in the pocket. … He can move around. He finds windows.”
6. Kelly expects to see Boston College use some of the stacked wide receiver looks that Middle Tennessee State and Clemson used with effectiveness against Tech. In that formation, one receiver lines up at the line of scrimmage and another lines up a few yards behind him. The team has worked against it this week. He said problems with communication and recognition enabled the Blue Raiders and Tigers to hit plays from that look.
“Hopefully that time and that effort (practicing against it) will pay off,” he said.
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73 comments Add your comment
Wal-Mart Retards
October 18th, 2012
11:08 am
Ferst!
1 4 GT
October 18th, 2012
11:17 am
2nd! GOOOOO JACKETS THWGeorgie
Buddy Landel
October 18th, 2012
11:37 am
Thank you Ken for calling out GTJoe and his multiple screen names on your previous blog. What’s the latest on Julian Burnett? Is he still in school? I haven’t seen him on the sidelines this year.
GTfish
October 18th, 2012
11:51 am
Ken- Have you heard anything about Fred Holton? What kind of injury does he have? Do you think he will be able to play this season. I know a lot of people who are wanting to see the big hitter in action.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 18th, 2012
12:19 pm
This is a word-for-word repeat of what I posted on that other blog, but now if Ken would only call out that “obama” creep, who, despite his protestations, only uses “SS” in his name after Ken called him out originally on using “Supersize” in it. One of the regular bloggers on here emailed me to say that he will not read these blogs anymore until something is done about him
Ken Sugiura
October 18th, 2012
12:57 pm
Julian is still in school. If memory serves, he’s on track to graduate in May. He’s around the team some. I know he’s been on the sidelines for one or two games, at least.
GTFish – Paul Johnson said Holton’s injury is”a ligament or something.” (he is not always the most informative.) it’s not the lisfranc injury that kyle jackson had. it’s mystified and frustrated all involved. if his absence continues much longer – he’s not expected to play saturday – coaches are going to have to look at their options regarding a medical redshirt and getting a sixth year of eligibility.
Buddy Landel
October 18th, 2012
1:09 pm
Thanks for the info on Julian. Taught him in middle school. He’s a great kid.
Ken Sugiura
October 18th, 2012
1:12 pm
SS loves Obama – please use a different handle.
and, actually, Wal-Mart, please do the same. Retard is a pejorative and offensive to the mentally challenged. i’m sorry i didn’t make a point of asking you to change earlier.
Ken Sugiura
October 18th, 2012
1:12 pm
you’re welcome. i agree.
GT TN
October 18th, 2012
1:20 pm
Ken..has CPJ mentioned anything about changes on kickoff return team..seems like we arent getting much production from them
Jim 70
October 18th, 2012
1:22 pm
Any idea if GT is going to go hurry-up/no huddle on offense?
GT Fan
October 18th, 2012
1:25 pm
Here’s an idea … when BC shows the stacked WR look, how about puttin one of the WRs on his arse at the snap instead of lining up 9 yds off the LOS. That’ll surely slow down the play, and give the rush more time to apply QB pressure.
And to help the DBs, I hope Charles Kelly has found a way to remove the piano from #1, I.Johnson’s back. Dude is slooow.
ramblingbuzz
October 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
Like Coach Kelly’s emphasis on coaches’ teamwork and getting more guys involved on D. I still believe GT has as much defnsive talent as most (not all) ACC teams. Coaching can make the difference.
Ken….Did you get any insight on why CCK prefers the coaches box to the sideline? Is this just a personal preference type of thing for the DC?
Supersize that order, mutt
October 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
@ Ken……thanks, but since he cussed you out once for telling him to change his name, I doubt he will change it now because you have said so again. Regardless, thanks for addressing it.
fuzzybee78
October 18th, 2012
1:27 pm
Ken, thanks for the good work again!
There is on ongoing question of talent vs scheme on both sides of the ball but with the coaching change on D we should get a better read on the D side by year end, one game is not enough against a weak opponent.
Lets do our part and show up at BDS——-See you there!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 18th, 2012
1:30 pm
@ GT Fan….I agree about I Johnson. Not only is he slow, but he is never anywhere near potential receivers.
Ken Sugiura
October 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
GT TN – he didn’t say anything about returners, but he wasn’t asked, either. Orwin Smith has been up and down, certainly. Broderick Snoddy had a good return against MTSU but fumbled. Chris Milton, who slipped and fell at the 2 against Clemson, is probably Tech’s best special-teams player. We’ll see if he gets another chance. Jamal Golden and Tony Zenon have been back there, but haven’t had many chances.
Jim 70 – i doubt it. given that part of Tech’s strategy is ball control, I don’t see it happening.
ramblingbuzz – he didn’t say, but i’d think it’s because it affords him better perspective and space to be a little more organized. there’s pros and cons, but most coordinators call plays from the box.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 18th, 2012
1:33 pm
fuzzybee78…….if you get there early enough and don’t already have plans. Come by the parking lot at the corner of 2nd and W Ptree. Several of us bloggers will be there beginning around 12:30. Look for a man with an oriental wife and a young (31) guy in a wheelchair probably wearing a Falcons jersey. That guy will be with me, and the man and wife actually host the tailgating. We will be right up against the street (2nd Street) towards the W P’Tree end.
GT Fan
October 18th, 2012
2:01 pm
Supersize,
No need to be concerned with the SS Obama poster … I’m he or she has moved “FORWARD” with all the riff-raff, LOL.
Jacket Detective
October 18th, 2012
2:05 pm
I would not want to be BC.
I think we are going to be turned loose on defense.
Offense too.
Jacket Detective
October 18th, 2012
2:10 pm
About the size of the crowd.
I asked my Clemson fan cousin, who knows the Bible better than I do, who was the Israeli leader who narrowed down his troops by giving them tests.
It was Gideon.
That is what has happened to our fanbase.
Our fanbase won’t impress anyway with its numbers but it might with noise per fan.
We have been narrowed down to the rabid core.
Yell loud fellow rabid fans.
Jacket Detective
October 18th, 2012
2:11 pm
anyone instead of anyway.
juvenal
October 18th, 2012
2:21 pm
so, Super, your handle not really positive…..think of you as, “Supersize(my brain, that is)…Gideon had a better AD……..
BS Patrol
October 18th, 2012
2:27 pm
I have never singled out a player on this team but when I read I.Johnson was going to wear #40 my 1st thought was,’does Burnett approve?’
1 4 GT
October 18th, 2012
2:28 pm
juvenal @ 2:21 PM today is a name thief….I’m pretty sure since Supersize & I tailgate with him & his family….he does not strike me as 2 bit phony backstabber
Supersize that order, mutt
October 18th, 2012
2:45 pm
@ 1 4 GT……I wondered about that too. I was trying to see if there was any kind of positive spin I could put on that comment, but I haven’t come up with one
10per
October 18th, 2012
2:50 pm
It’s nice to hear we have a plan for the stacked receiver set. When I saw MTSU lining up that way it was obvious we had no idea what to do. Better late than never.
juvenal
October 18th, 2012
2:59 pm
golly, let’s see….the discussion is on derisive handles…..i just think saying your brain is super size is a nice reflection on you, without mentioning the opponent name, something fdr never did-for instance, i call it ahca, rhymes with kaka, avoiding the name in the handle you did not like…don’t be so seriuos….still, if you are upset, bring a cream pie saturday..
SS loves Obama
October 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
@Ken…out of respect for you I will change my handle. @Supersize…You know I have never “cussed” at Ken. There you go again with emotion and no facts.
1 4 GT
October 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
Then I apologize to juvenal for my mistaking him in my above retort to what I thought was a name thief. How about a coconut cream pie? Or some KK donuts?
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
3:18 pm
@1 4 GT….KK is the way to go!
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
3:23 pm
@juvenal….1 4 has been a little cranky so please forgive him….lol!
1 4 GT
October 18th, 2012
3:23 pm
I think that the phony SS knows full well that his “new” handle is not what Ken was referring to. Be so kind as to not address yourself to me in the future!
1 4 GT and Supersize sleep butt to face
October 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
1 4 GT and Supersize need to get a room
Jacket Detective
October 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
Ken
I appreciate your trying to get folks to get along but you know as well as the rest of us, “Steve Smith” is just here to aggravate Tech fans.
If he doesn’t like some of our handles, he ought to come up with an original one knocking Tech.
What was a great example of karma was the dawg fans gloating on our blog right after the Clemson game and right before Spurrier outcoached and emnbarrassed them again.
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
@1 4 GT….aside from the occasional emotional outburst, you are usually a pretty good blogger. Please try to keep it that way. Thanks.
juvenal
October 18th, 2012
3:52 pm
as long as it’s not shaving cream-doubt they taste good……..
Jacket Detective
October 18th, 2012
3:53 pm
How about it Ken?
The new handle ought to get him the boot.
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
3:53 pm
@Jacket Detective..You make some good points. Karma can be a b*$#!. Lol!
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
3:54 pm
What is wrong with my handle? Steve Smith is Barry’s Uncle shouldn’t offend anyone??
juvenal
October 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
SSiBU-same offer i made to joe previous site……….if you don’t go to games, folks who do don’t really care what you think, kinda like folks who gripe about the guvmint but don’t vote….
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
@juvenal…I go to games so how does that concern me? BTW…you seem to be the most rational of the full time bloggers….now 1 4 GT im not so sure….Lol!!
MaconGTFan
October 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
Hopefully the d can start to right the ship this Saturday and carry it over to the remaining games. Glad to hear Golden is getting more playing time along with others. The d is just flat out gassed come the 4th quarter.
DOC 51
October 18th, 2012
4:23 pm
The whole secondary should be replaced except for J.Thomas.Of course part of the problem is no pressure from our DL.GT defense is lousy ,and I doubt if this coaching staff can fix the problems.
juvenal
October 18th, 2012
4:24 pm
then your opinion counts, “& thank you for your service”-set up in front of at&t on side street……..mainly just trying to get Ken’s insights, & he can ask CPJ questions without getting sneered at, & trying to keep it fun……..don’t know that many who know me feel i’m all that rational, tho’…
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
@juvenal….Lol.
1 4 GT
October 18th, 2012
4:54 pm
I don’t know that I really care to participate in a blog where phonies can show up one day and start out posting, at least IMHO, being personally offensive in their blog behavior to myself & others as well. And no I am not being thin skinned. Then when the moderator calls that person out on their blog behavior, all they get is toothless warnings. So maybe they do change their blog handle, but manages to do so in a still offensive manner. BFD!! If the moderator does not have the authority to ban someone, then who does. And BTW, the individual I am talking about “cussed out”, without actually “cussing”, the moderator, & said moderator seemingly ignored it. Words have meaning! Either your word means something or it does not mean anything. You take a stand or you stand for nothing. Which is it? I know what I would do. IN A HEARTBEAT TOO!!!!
GT Lee
October 18th, 2012
5:03 pm
juvenal. what’s cooking Sat? need me to bring any burgers/dogs for the grill? I am coming HUNGRY!!!!!
MaconGTFan
October 18th, 2012
5:05 pm
Good point 1 4 GT.
GT Lee
October 18th, 2012
5:06 pm
and for what it’s worth, I think the D will be VASTLY improved. Looking forward to seeing the Bostonians get a thumping, as will my friend Sam Adams.
SS is Barry's Uncle
October 18th, 2012
5:16 pm
@1 4 GT…like the passion. Keep it up!! @GT Lee…the jury is still out on the D.
MaconGTFan
October 18th, 2012
5:16 pm
Hey Ken, any word on Bostic and Days getting more touches?
Stylee
October 18th, 2012
6:51 pm
Ken, thanks so much for what you do!
G.P. Burdell
October 18th, 2012
6:53 pm
““Hopefully that time and that effort (practicing against it) will pay off,” he said.”
Does this comment from Kelly bother anyone else? So they haven’t practiced against this set all year? Have they not watched any film on MTSU and Clemson? Both teams have run out of this set for several seasons, especially Clemson…unbelievable! We’re going to need to revamp the D-staff after the season and get some coaches that know how to coach defense, preferably a 4-3 with blitzing on every 3rd and 5 or longer.
dry dirt road
October 18th, 2012
7:55 pm
If Tech loses, I wouldn’t be surprised. Since they lost to MT, and MT lost to McNeese State, that logically means that Tech lost to McNeese State, whoever and wherever they are. I’ll bet Tech would lose to Slippery Rock this year.
dry dirt road
October 18th, 2012
8:02 pm
Tech wouldn’t lose to Slippery Rock if they had Rock Perdoni as the new D coordinator, since he never slipped any tackles aainst the big boys such as Clemson, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, Notre Dame, South Carolina, FSU, So Cal, Mich St, Rice, Tulane, all the big boy independents BD could schedule. He would grab runners and never slip with butterfingers tackling the runners. Our D had Glanville as secondary coach, Maxie Bauhghn as LB coach, and Coach Carson, a former d player, as head D coach and o coach. Needless to say we had an awesome D. Out baby jackets team was a good one with Dick Bestwick as coach. This was ‘71-2.
Wal-Mart Re____s
October 18th, 2012
8:04 pm
Ken – really? You realize, I hope (as I’ve posted this SEVERAL times) that I support CPJ and protest political correctness. Yet, you seem to think of “Mutt” and the like as positive/allowable terms… this is weak.
http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2011/11/22/johnson-apologizes-for-comment/
Notes: Tech defense prepping for problematic formation | Georgia Tech
October 18th, 2012
9:11 pm
[...] Tech bracing for up-tempo pace [...]
GTGirl
October 19th, 2012
12:32 am
Ken, please do something about the person posting SS! He is really annoying.
Other than that, thanks for the insight on Julian and Fred. I had heard that medcal reshirt was being considered.
GTGirl
October 19th, 2012
12:36 am
@ Buddy Landel- I met Julian after the last home game. He was on the sidelines for that game and has been at all the home games. He is an EXTREMELY nice young man and remembered me from the game. He said i was one of the few people shouting encouragement to the team when we were getting beat.
nobody
October 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
GT needs to return to the uniforms they were wearing in the glory days when such stars as Billy Lothridge, Billy Martin, and Billy Schroer were playing, i.e., plain gold helmets, white jerseys with numbers on the shoulder pads, stripes around the sleeves and gold pants….maybe a sharp look would rub off on their play
G.P. Burdell
October 19th, 2012
2:57 pm
To answer my post above from yesterday…
“I guess not.”
Barry's Uncle
October 19th, 2012
3:45 pm
@GTGirl…are you going to the game?
Jim
October 19th, 2012
4:10 pm
This is a great read for anyone and significantly special for a GT grad such as myself. Bill has written a slew of other very, very, good books that I have read, especially “Peachtree Corvette Club” about life at Tech in the mid-1970’s. It a HILARIOUS page turner!
Bo in North Carolina
October 19th, 2012
5:28 pm
Ken, from a UGA Dawg. Enjoy reading your column and thoght I’d pass along this note my sister-in-law sent me. Cecil Trainer, jr who played defensive end and was an Academic All American on the 1952 team passed away in Spartenburg, S.C. Thought some of you older heads might remember him. Best of luck tomorrow
GTJohn
October 19th, 2012
5:50 pm
Just curious, is The Rock available as a coach. Remember him well, passed him in the dorm hallway one evening and he was huge ( I think I was living in Smith then that qtr). Had to turn sideways to get by Very nice guy though.
I liked those days with Rock, Lenny, Sias, Helmer, Smiley, King, et. al. I remember the So Cal coach commenting that Rock was in their backfield more than they were – it was true also. We could use some more like him – great ethic, attitude and leadership. Remember, he had his on cheer – We got the Rock to stop, we can’t be beat …. or something to that affect.
GT Fan
October 19th, 2012
10:25 pm
I got a little curious, and did some research. GT Joe is gonna love this ……….
Johnny “Football” Manziel – Texas A&M….24tds
Passing: 128/190–67.4%–1,680yds–14td-3int–162.8 rating
Rushing: 91 carries–676yds-7.4/avg– 10td
Marcus Mariota – Oregon….19tds
Passing: 123/180–68.3%–1,347yds–16td-5int–155.0 rating
Rushing: 53 carries–356yds-6.7/avg– 2td
Receiving: 1 catch–1td
Tevin Washington – Georgia Tech….17tds
Passing: 49/78–62.8%–804yds–4td-2int–161.2 rating
Rushing: 94 carries–408yds-4.3/avg– 13td
Does anyone know the difference between the first 2 QBs and Tevin?
ANSWER: They are both FRESHMEN!
Does anybody think either of these 2 would be starting for PJ with Senior, and incumbent, TW on the team?
Could Vad Lee be doing the same as any of these 3, particularly the first two? We will never know.
Old Dog
October 20th, 2012
7:59 am
To Hell with Tek, today, tomorrow and every other day!
GTpack
October 20th, 2012
8:19 am
Agree IJ is slow at safety, I know Menocal is a LB, but he is fast. Dude is one of the first down the field on kick coverages, being that fast, would he not make a candidate for Safety. At least he could run them down.
Erk Russell
October 20th, 2012
12:33 pm
Old dog, you are using technology to post.
UGA runs this state – First in bankruptcies in the nation, last in education, physical health and mental health – in the south! We can tell you run this state, don’t have to remind us as ya’ll are prone to do.
Enjoy your mediocre dream joke team and delusion. You are supposed to be the f-ball powerhouse with the dream team. You are not. Sober up one day.
Now go back to your blog and enjoy your Gator whipping again, it’s coming!
Tech Man 4 life
October 20th, 2012
1:02 pm
What doesn’t Pres Obama pass a law that Tech can get handicap ponts before each game so the rich and powrful in football don’t win all the games? It is all about fairness folks
William Casey
October 20th, 2012
2:16 pm
I can do without the politics here.
Rock Perdoni could play.
Tech Man 4 life
October 20th, 2012
2:31 pm
Who cares about Rock Perdoni anyways? Go stick it if you dont like politics. Politics is in everything.