Starting QB decision will wait again
1. It worked out last week, so Georgia Tech quarterbacks Tevin Washington and Vad Lee look like they’ll go through another week of determining playing time through practice.
“We’ll see how practice goes this week,” coach Paul Johnson said after Monday’s practice. “But I thought they both did some good things (in the win over Maryland). They graded out not very far apart, two or three points apart.”
Last week, prior to Tech’s 33-13 win over Maryland, Johnson was similarly non-committal about his choice to start at quarterback. Following the game, Johnson said he started Washington because “he’s been the starting quarterback.”
Against the Terrapins, Washington and Lee rotated series, taking two possessions at a time, in the Yellow Jackets’ 33-13 win. Washington led Tech to two touchdowns in four possessions, Lee three touchdowns in five possessions.
Another reason Johnson cited for starting Washington – preferring to have his experience on the field at the start since Tech didn’t know how Maryland defensive coordinator Brian Stewart would scheme against the Jackets’ spread-option offense – may not hold Saturday against North Carolina. Tar Heels associate head coach for defense and inside linebackers coach Vic Koenning was defensive coordinator at Clemson in 2008, Johnson’s first season at Tech.
“I’m sure that Vic Koenning’s pretty involved,” Johnson said.
Further, defensive coordinator Dan Disch came to North Carolina with first-year coach Larry Fedora from Southern Mississippi, which played Navy last season. Navy runs an offense similar to Tech’s.
2. Outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu was named the ACC linebacker of the week Monday for his three-sack game against Maryland. Attaochu also had six tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. It’s the second time he’s been so honored in his career and only the second time this season that a Tech player was named an ACC player of the week, tied for fewest with Boston College. Offensive tackle Will Jackson was named conference offensive lineman of the week after the 56-20 win over Virginia.
Tech’s players of the week were center Jay Finch and wide receiver Darren Waller on offense, inside linebacker Quayshawn Nealy on defense and B-back Matt Connors on special teams. Finch had 16 knockdown blocks in a game that Johnson said he thought was his best of the season. Waller, while he didn’t catch a pass, was much more physical in his blocking than he had been against BYU, Johnson said. Nealy led Tech with a career-high 12 tackles with one tackle for loss. Connors, a walk-on who plays on multiple special-teams units, had one tackle.
Johnson also had praise for B-back David Sims and offensive tackle Morgan Bailey. Johnson said that Sims played with fire and energy and had his best game as he regains his health. Bailey, starting his second game in a row, has “gotten better every week, I think. The more he plays, the better he gets.”
3. Tech’s A-backs had 26 carries in the game, which is the most for that position in a game in Johnson’s five seasons. The previous high had been 23. Orwin Smith led the team with 89 yards on 10 carries, including a five-yard touchdown run. Tech repeatedly ran toss plays to the A-backs, which Maryland coach Randy Edsall said “was a little different for them and we weren’t able to shut that play down.”
Tech had one of its best blocking games of the season, getting a season-high number of defenders to the ground. Johnson said he thought the total was 80 on 60 plays.
“We had some leverage on them, maybe,” Johnson said. “And (the toss) was working, so we ran it a lot.”
4. Outside linebacker Brandon Watts, taken out of Saturday’s game with an upper-extremity injury, did not practice Monday but is expected to return Tuesday. The same holds true for Washington, whom Johnson said “got dinged a little bit.” Attaochu, who required medical attention following the game, practiced Monday. Johnson did not know the status of Jackson, who missed his second game in a row with a shoulder injury.
5. ESPN took a six-day option on determining the kickoff time for Tech’s Nov. 17 game against Duke, meaning it will have until noon Sunday to announce the game time and broadcast outlet. The game will start at noon, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. It will be Tech’s final home game of the season.
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
175 comments Add your comment
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
2:34 pm
The TO…………………..is Run Pitch Pass………….that is the TO.
Run the middle
Run the QB
Make the Pitch is NOT the TO you FOOL.
THWG
November 6th, 2012
2:34 pm
Vad might not get all the snaps this weekend, or against Duke, but I will have a problem is he isn’t in the entire time against UGA. THWG
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
2:35 pm
GT JOE …………………………Show Up…………….Shut Up…………….or MAN UP.
GT79MD83
November 6th, 2012
2:41 pm
5150 UOAD– I totally agree. We do not however score many points in the 4th Quarter and OT of any games against decent opponents since and including last years UGA game.It shows in our W-L record since then.Some of that rests on the shoulders of the QB playing and some rests on CPJs playcalling.To overcome our poor defensive play we need good QB play for 4 quarters and in OT.You will always lose when you score no points in OT.Both the offense and the defense need to play better when it counts.
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
2:45 pm
For everyone that says TW lost the VT and the Miami game..what would you be saying if I told you that Vad throw a TD with less than 1:30 to go in game to take the lead and during that drive successfully throw a pass on 4th down but we lose in OT after the defense give up a TD in last 30 sec and a TD in overtime..Vad then turns around and give Tech a 17 point lead in the 4th quater after being down 19 at one point and the Tech loses..EVERYONE OF YOU would say the defense let Vad down..he had us in position to win and defense didn’t make plays..but since it is TW that did it we look for plays to blame him
GT Joe..just because they graded the same doesn’t mean they played the same..that means they did about the same on the excution of the play..Vad doesn’t have as much play book as TW so his margin for error is smaller
Tech Troll 13
November 6th, 2012
2:50 pm
5150
GT Joe quote “I’ve never had season tickets and I never will”. He’s not going to show up. He boos from his recliner.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
2:52 pm
5150: For someone on here so much talking about GT football, you sure have a lack of understanding of the triple option. What a fool you are. The pass is not a part of the triple option play.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/291342-paul-johnsons-spread-option-a-beginners-guide
Man up….read up….learn up…then shut up.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
2:56 pm
GT TN: boy you sure have excuses for everything. Smaller playbook? What are you, a mindreader? Are you listening in on CPJ’s headset? WTF.
Vad does more with his “limited” playbook than TW does with his “expanded” playbook. And that’s all that matters.
And if Vad threw a stupid INT to cost us the game, I wouldn’t be on here making excuses for him. A bonehead play is a bonehead play. man up.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
2:57 pm
I wouldn’t buy season tix because i’d rather watch games at home. Better views, better food, cheaper, and not a hassle to get there. But I WOULD go to more games when Vad starts playing.
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
2:58 pm
the SPREAD part of the TO this the PASS……………………
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
3:00 pm
GT JOE that is not the TRUTH…………..NOBODY likes you and you have no friends that want to spend time at the games with you…………..C’mon man we know the truth. We have invited you but you cry and hide.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:01 pm
5150, is english a 2nd language for you? I’m not trying to insult you, just curious, because half your posts make no sense. Let me help you with reading:
The basic “triple option,” more specifically called the “Inside Veer,” utilizes three potential ball carriers to remove two defenders from the play. If executed correctly, the defenders who are the two option reads can never make the tackle; the ball always goes away from them.
First the quarterback keys on the dive read, either giving the ball to the running back or keeping the ball himself based on what the dive read does. One player down. If he still has the ball the quarterback keys on the pitch read. He either keeps the ball himself or pitches the ball to the wingback based on the pitch read’s actions. Two players down.
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
3:02 pm
Ga Southern NEVER PASSED…………… HAWAII Never passed…………….NAVY NEVER passed………….the TO has no passing as part of the TO……………
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:02 pm
5150: it shocks me that you watch so many games IN PERSON and post thousands of times here, and yet have NO CLUE what the most basic CPJ play is!
You have just been exposed as a complete and total fool!
Uh, I hate to admit this...
November 6th, 2012
3:08 pm
…but I have to agree with GT Joe and his argument with POAD about the triple option –
But, then again, POAD just said that the “pass” was the 3rd option in the “spread” offense, so he may be trying to compare apples to oranges when comparing the Tech TO to the OR and WV TO…
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
3:12 pm
GT Joe..I’m not a mind reader..I listen to what CPJ says..he says that Vad has a set number of plays..you have to be one the the stupidest guys on the interent and that is saying alot.. you give reason why you don’t go to the games and then turn around and say why would go if 1 person was playing..you aren’t a GT fan you are Vad’s want to be daddy..every coach in America will tell you that they don’t have the same playbook for every qb..you are sitting on the couch watching football on saturday just like you sat in the band and watched it on friday night..
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:19 pm
GT TN: you SHOULD listen to what CPJ says. He says they graded out the same. That means that there is absolutely NOTHING that Tevin is better than Vad at. Nada. Your ONE argument for TW was that he executes better. NOT the CASE.
Did he say that the playbook was smaller for Vad vs. Maryland? No. But go ahead and make up some stuff.
Vad probably has a bigger playbook than TW now, because Vad can actually throw the ball.
Regardless, if you think Tevin is the better QB, YOU are the stupidest person on the internet. PRobably took a few too many shots to the head in peewee football.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:21 pm
I know it’s hard for all you numb nuts to admit I was right about Vad all along. But ya’ll should MAN UP.
Hey 5150: still studying the triple option? you’re MIA. At least study up so you don’t get exposed again by me.
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
3:30 pm
GT Joe..do you have any idea how a play is graded..im not making anything up..a play can be ran for a 40 yard gain or a 2 yard game and get the same grade..just as a DB can be graded on a play that is a 15 yard completion and get same grade on a incompletion..it isn’tdetermined by how many yards the play gains..I have always said that VAD does things better than TW..he is a better passer and has more speed..however I don’t think the runs the offense as good as TW overall and what is hurting playing both guys..it makes DC from other teams have to look at different things..if you throw Vad out there and he can only do certain things then the other D will zone in on that and he will not be as succesful..What was wrong with what TW did on saturday..they both played great and we scored..do you really think that CPJ wouldn’t start Vad if he thought Vad gave us a better chance of winning..he makes his living coaching and no matter how much you or I want GT to win..i promise he wants it more
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:34 pm
GT TN: I know what “grading plays” means. I know that it has nothing to do with the outcome of the play, just the execution. You have always said (and just now said) that you don’t think Vad runs the offense as well as TW. Yet, CPJ just said they graded out the same. I.e., they executed the same. I.e., Vad executed as well as Tevin.
So my question to you is this: If Vad executes the same as TW, is there ANY reason to start TW?
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
3:39 pm
GTJoe..just like I said before..CPJ has said that Vad has select plays..that means he doesn’t have the enitre playbook..TW does have the complete playbook so he can do somethings that Vad can’t at this time..I thing Vad is going to be a great QB..why don’t we let him continue to grow instead of throwing him out there with a limited playbbok and play the whole game..tell me what TW did on Saturday to make it where Vad should start over him
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
I don’t think TW has the complete playbook either. There are probably dozens of pass plays that CPJ just wouldn’t call for Tevin, but would for Vad.
As far as the MD game, I even said last week that Tevin would have a great game, because that’s what he does against inferior opponents. But his game was unspectacular, unnoticeable, he could have staked a claim to the job, but he did nothing to show he was better. In fact, every stat was better for Vad. EVERY ONE. and Vad led more scoring drives.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
3:56 pm
You are worried about Vad’s confidence, throwing him out there too early? You should note that he has no problems in the confidence category. Just watch him play. Kid is not scared, he brings big time energy, after every play he’s hyped up, teammates get hyped up, and that’s contagious. Yes, even to our defensive players.
He should start AT UGA. He’s a gamer, fears no one. Never met the kid, but I can see it on TV clear as day.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:01 pm
And for the record, I think the North Carolina kid gets the start at UNC.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:02 pm
UOAD: still studying the triple option? LOL. I can help you with the big words.
GT Fan
November 6th, 2012
4:09 pm
2 OT losses … both vs. Coastal opps. 1 play (4th & 4) vs. VT, and the 4th qtr vs. Miami.
If GT can find a way to win just one of these (I choose UM) look where they are with a W on Sat.
Beat Miami, and a W vs. UNC on Sat almost certainly wins the Coastal for GT (b/c Duke will finish with 4 Ls, and VT probably Ls to FSU on Thurs.).
Ifs and buts …..
BTW, where’s Brave Hokie et.al. that thought I was crazy back in August when I said, “win or lose vs. GT, VT will finish 3rd or worse in the Coastal” ?
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
4:10 pm
GT Joe..that is funny..stats I looked at don’t look that far off..don’t think Vad was spectacular or noticeable..both completed 1 pass and Vad for 19 more yards..Vad ran for more yards but rushed 3 times as much for a less yards per carry than TW..so Vad didn’t blow away in stats…Vad lead 3 drives and TW lead 2..2 of the 3 Vad drives for TD’s were from the Maryland side of the field..he went the length of the field only 1 time..TW went on 69 yard drives for both of his scores..i don’t see where Vad just out shined TW
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:19 pm
Let’s see TN: pick your favorite qb:
QB #1: more rush yards, more pass yards, more pass yards/attempt, more total yards, more TDs, more scoring drives, led offense to more offensive yards….. OR
QB #2: more rush yards/attempt
(crickets)
GT Fan
November 6th, 2012
4:19 pm
GT Joe ….
Just a reminder from me, again. GT’s problems are on D. Yeah, I believe VL is better than TW (running & throwing), but V’s shown that he doesn’t know the all the reads like TW does, and his pitches are a little erratic.
29.7 pts by GT (vs. FBS opps) is plenty. Take a look at ND if you don’t believe me.
Take out ND’s 50 vs Navy (10pts), and ND has scored more than 30 only ONCE (Miami, 41-3). If GT scores 41 vs. Miami they still lose.
ND, 30pts vs Oklahoma, was plenty b/c their D held OU to 13
ND, 29pts vs Pitt, was enough b/c their D held Pitt to 26.
If GT’s D holds Miami, MTSU, and Clemson to 26 pts 36, 28, and 31 gives GT 3 more Ws, 3 less Ls.
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
4:24 pm
You are picking your stats off 1 pass completed for 26 and 1 for 5..I thought you said he blows TW away..BTW Vad didn’t lead tech in more yards from srcimmage..Vad ran more times so that is why he had more rushing yards..the passing is a wash..if is funny you are using passing stats when you say that Vad is a great passing QB..Vad hasn’t lead a drive for a td outside of the Pres game where he lead a rive longer than 69 yards
GT TN
November 6th, 2012
4:27 pm
and 1 maryland drive
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:34 pm
GT JOE………….try again.
Define the Tripe option please
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:36 pm
Johnson has said the have not run the TO on many plays
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:37 pm
Vad DID lead tech to more yards. Add up the drives in the Maryland game, Vad led Tech to 84 more yards than Tevin.
And Vad only had 2 pass attempts, I Believe, because CPJ wanted to test him on option plays (which he graded out identically) vs. passing.
Not sure what you are yapping about regarding longest drive, Vad had the longest drive of the maryland game too. 78 yards. Just quit while you’re behind.
St. Richt
November 6th, 2012
4:37 pm
Come on coach! What games are you watching that we aren’t watching? Vad Lee is the future- Tevin is a serviceable backup with only a handful of games left in a lost season. And please don’t tell me that we can still win the ACC. Its not gonna happen- especially with Tevin at QB. Put in Vad and play for the future. I’ve been a fan of CPJ but his arrogance and stubborness in not seeing the obvious in playing Vad Lee is really starting to tick me off. Vad Lee is the future and the future is now. And if our coach can’t figure that out ASAP then maybe its time for him to move on… Enough is enough- I can’t stand to see anymore 4th and shorts where Tevin comes up short. That has been a recurring nightmare now for 2 seasons.
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:37 pm
What EXACTLY is Johnson’s definition of the TO?
Does Johnson think the PASS doesn’t exist?
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:38 pm
5150: you are back? LOL. back to get exposed again? Triple option class has already begun. Read my posts. I can’t believe you don’t know what the triple option is. Just goes to show that going to games does NOTHING for some people. LOL.
pine
November 6th, 2012
4:44 pm
Throughout all of this discussion about Vad playing or not and when he plays you guys have not been doing your homework. Have you noticed for the past four weeks that TW has been out of practice part or most of the week during those weeks? Did you notice Saturday after TW led the drive when he pitched to Godhigh for the TD after he checked off at the line (only experience can do this on the goal line) that he went to the bench with the trainers (after CPJ met him and congratulated him for the RIGHT checkoff) and was then surrounded by the doctor who kept the trainers with TW the rest of the day? Did you notice in CPJ comments in Ken’s other story that TW DID not practice Monday of this week as well? That adds up to about a month of this kid possibly being hurt and laying it on the line still for GT. He deserves much more respect than you give him GT Joe. In fact, since you quote statistics, you might want to check TW statistics out. Statisically speaking, as an individual, he ranks near the top of most categories for a Tech QB. Wow! Now, the team may not rank that high in total wins, but that has a lot to do with other position players and individuals too, not just one player. He has not had Dwyer and Bey Bey on offense with him to lighten the load. Still over the past two years the offense has ranked in the top five in the country with a supporting cast of no names. He has also not benefited from Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett on defense either. Who are our starting defensive ends right now? Do you know? All considered, TW has led the offense in putting points on the scoreboard.
It is good that CPJ has started playing Vad some, but I believe that role wil be limited in two of the next three games because of the level of competition. He simply is not ready for the checkoffs etc..However, looking back at how TW was thrust into action with NO real playing time when Nersbitt went down at VT two years ago, it is obvous that CPJ learned a valuable lesson…TW probably should also have been getting a few snaps when Nesbitt was still in the game long after it was basically decided. Now, Vad will be the recipient of that learning curve by CPJ…for the future…NOT THE PRESENT. That distinction belongs to TW and he has earned it over the years just like VAD will IN TIME.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:46 pm
GT Fan: you will note that CPJ said Vad and Tevin both graded out about the same. i.e., they executed the plays the same. i.e., TW doesn’t run the option any better than Vad. As for being “erratic with pitches”; that’s quite subjective, but put it this way: Vad has ZERO turnovers on pitches (or passes or runs or whatever).
Finally, regarding the D being the problem: yes, it is A problem. But the #40 scoring offense against the #60 schedule is weak if you ask me. Our defense is up to #65 in yards/game, FYI.
Notre Dame offense might be #60 in scoring, but that is against the #15 schedule.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:49 pm
pine aka TWFan aka Take the Wheel aka A-mazed:
If TW has been playing hurt, much respect. Personally, I don’t see any drop in athleticism from him on the field compared to Game 1. Looks like the same Tevin to me.
As far as checkoffs, don’t get me started on checkoffs. Does the Miami game ring a bell?
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:51 pm
GT JOE just shows that any AzzHole can fill a diaper……….CALL ME
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:54 pm
GT JOE pleas make a break down and gaMe O & D plan for beating UNC.
GO COACH tells US how you would do it.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
4:55 pm
Well UOAD: First thing I would do is make sure that all my players know what the triple option is LOL.
Are you clear on what the triple option is? Haven’t you been watching this offense for like 5 years now IN PERSON at BDS? LOL.
HINT: triple option does NOT involve passing.
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
4:58 pm
I DEFER
I go on D
I run CHOU in the B gap with the 3 d fanning out to secure the pocket.
I Drop DADDY W in the flat opposite the MIKE LB.
Isiah patrolling the Mid-3/4 field with eyes on the SPEED WR.
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
5:00 pm
JOE try again.
MaconGTFan
November 6th, 2012
5:04 pm
How can a QB with a limited playbook possibly run an offense better than someone who runs the entire playbook? Just another gem from Joe’s dumbazz.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
5:07 pm
Tevin runs the entire playbook? doubtful. I bet there are dozens of pass plays that CPJ just WON’t run with Tevin.
But keep reaching.
They both graded out the same. So you last excuse to start TW is now debunked. Tevin does not execute the option plays better than Vad.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
5:08 pm
UOAD: I will not answer any of your questions until you tell me the three options in the triple option. Think of this as your final exam so you can gain some semblance of respect.
GT Joe
November 6th, 2012
5:10 pm
I think all three TW fans on the planet are right here on this blog. MaconFan, GT TN, and pine (and his multiple personalities).
What are the odds?
5150 UOAD
November 6th, 2012
5:14 pm
Run Run Run…………Is that what you want to hear?