Notes: Tech honed in on Bulldogs
1. A spot in the ACC Championship game is great and all, but Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson intends to keep his team’s sights trained on Georgia. In a roughly seven-minute media session following the Yellow Jackets’ Monday practice, he mentioned players or coaches being focused on the Bulldogs, their need to be focused on them or the game’s importance no fewer than eight different times.
Coaches didn’t celebrate the announcement of Miami’s self-imposed postseason ban because “we’ve been kind of tunnel-visioned on getting ready to play Georgia,” he said. He didn’t have an opinion on any advantages of the Yellow Jackets’ being an underdog because “I’m just worried about Georgia.” He won’t assign any staff member to start preparing a scouting report on Florida State because “we’re focused on Georgia.”
The attention to Saturday’s game is undoubtedly necessary. The Jackets are 1-3 against Georgia in Johnson’s tenure, part of a 1-10 record in the past 11 games. The 2012 Bulldogs appear to be the best Georgia team that Johnson has faced.
“The quarterback (Aaron Murray) is a long-time starter and a good player,” he said. “They’ve got a good receiving corps, the freshman running backs (Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall) are really good and then defensively, they’ve probably got four or five first-round draft picks. A lot of talent on that team, no question.”
He did throw a curveball in response to a question about the possibility of the Bulldogs looking past Tech to the SEC Championship game against Alabama.
“I wouldn’t think so, but I don’t know,” he said. “I’m worried about Georgia Tech.”
2. Johnson gave a positive report on A-back Orwin Smith, who left the Duke game Saturday in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return. Johnson said that “I think he’ll be O.K.” for the Georgia game. Smith is Tech’s leading rusher at 61.2 yards per game and most dynamic offensive player. His career 9.4 yards-per-carry average is the highest of any active FBS player with 100 or more carries.
Said Johnson, “We’re hopeful that we’re not going to lose anybody for Saturday.”
3. Coaches named quarterback Tevin Washington, outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu and safety Isaiah Johnson as offense, defensive and special-teams players of the week, respectively. Washington tied his career high with three touchdown passes and also set the ACC and school career records for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with his 36th career touchdown. He led Tech on five touchdown drives overall.
Attaochu had five tackles and two sacks. It was his second multi-sack game in the past three. Johnson’s special-teams play included an open-field tackle on a Duke kickoff return. Johnson plays on multiple special-teams units.
No Tech players were named ACC players of the week. Washington, Attaochu and offensive tackle Ray Beno were nominated at their respective position groups.
5. A week after recording 100 knockdown blocks against North Carolina, which was a team best in Johnson’s five seasons, the Tech offense did one better, putting Duke defenders on the ground 101 times on 86 plays. Guard Shaquille Mason was responsible for 28 of those blocks.
Said Johnson, “It’s going in the right direction.
6. Tickets for the ACC title game are on sale through the Tech ticket office. For more information, visit ramblinwreck.com or call 1-888-832-4849. Ticket information is also available at accfootballcharlotte.com. On ticket re-sale website stubhub.com, tickets were available Monday evening starting at $7.99. … Johnson said he didn’t have an opinion on Maryland’s departure from the ACC to the Big Ten because he hadn’t given it much thought as “I’ve been kind of preoccupied.”
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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117 comments Add your comment
K
November 20th, 2012
8:54 am
Just remember: Tech was a 13 point favorite to beat BYU.
Anything can happen!
I’d rather be the underdog in this game than a 14 point favorite!
THWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sideways 77
November 20th, 2012
9:20 am
The best defense will win the game. Pretty much the case at all levels of football. I just hope our D is really improving each week since Groh left.
This has been a strange year in college football. Is anybody really that dominate this year? I think on any given saturday!
Go Jackets and THWG at the ACI.
ACI Member
November 20th, 2012
9:26 am
Tuck Fech………………………………..
The Bees Are Buzzing
November 20th, 2012
9:27 am
I just don’t see us beating Georgia on Sat. We have a better chance against FSU though.
Dawg4Life
November 20th, 2012
9:44 am
Tech has to pray for a miracle and tell themselves that they have a chance. We all know the sad truth for them come saturday at noon…a massacre by the Bulldawgs. That fan base is so delusional.
Have fun with your 6-8 season.
Dawg4Life
November 20th, 2012
9:48 am
Oh yea, I am a UGA alum and I have 6 tech alumn working for me. Just for fun, I am making them work on Friday. Mush you maggots.
Freddie Blassie
November 20th, 2012
9:54 am
There is no doubt that Tech could win this game and there is not another coach I’d rather have than PJohnson
It would be great if CMR had to explain how he lost the Tech and Alabama games to the Georgie cling ons.
crackbaby
November 20th, 2012
10:03 am
There is no cogent rationale that would lead one to forecast Tech winning this game.
But they play the game on the field, not on paper. Jackets pulling this one out would be the biggest upset in memory.
Beware the Dogs cheapshots, late hits and woofing early in the contest. GO JACKETS!
GTVegas
November 20th, 2012
10:25 am
UGA Should win this going away. On paper, it should be a blowout.
I think the same could be said of many games whose outcome was predetermined by their own fanbase, but that is why they play the game.
A GT win would be a huge shocker, while a UGA win is just expectation.
“Shockers” are more fun to watch though.
I will say though that I would rather be playing as underdogs for these next two games than as big favorites in either. Think about it, it is much more likely for UGA to look beyon GT to Alabama than for GT to look forward to FSU.
As I see it, GT needs to play to its’ highest potential and hope for a little luck, while UGA , maybe not so much.
I don’t expect a win in either of the next two games, but I sure think they are capable.
GTVegas
November 20th, 2012
10:28 am
Dawg4Life – I have several UGA Alum working for me and another host of UGA fans. I gave them Friday off because I know when productivity suffers and I am smart enough to know when I am wasting money paying them for unproductive work, not that they are that productive anyway. I just forced them to take their floating holiday on Friday.
So much for $EC
November 20th, 2012
10:30 am
Stub Hub:
ACC Championship Tickets
Priced from $7.99
SEC Championship Tickets
Priced from $5.50
GTVegas
November 20th, 2012
10:32 am
Just kidding, I would not hire anyone from UGA that isn’t good natured about all of this, which most UGA Alum are, my wife included.
My real point is that who is actually smarter, the person who forces their employee to work when they know they are being paid for unproductive time or the person that boosts morale (and gives them Friday off) so that they get full prouctivity from their assets at the times when they are expected to work?
Dallas Jacket
November 20th, 2012
10:34 am
Georgia Tech has a Legit shot at an upset. GT has to control the tempo by scoring first and taking big giant chucks out of the clock on drives. They have to play first down football where all they want is a first down. Uga has a problem from playing behind in tight games. Eat Clock Sting em Jackets WTGW
Flak Jacket
November 20th, 2012
10:38 am
Just BEAT GEORGIA that`s all there is to it.Look out for the crossing route,they will run it all day long.Play defense and we can win.
Dallas Jacket
November 20th, 2012
10:38 am
Big Headed Dog = Stinging Dog Ass
Demosthenes
November 20th, 2012
10:39 am
The only chance Tech has in this game is to get pressure on Murray while rushing 4. If they depend on the blitz, they’re toast. Murray is extremely efficient, and picks apart secondaries, especially on the blitz. The UGA defense is good, and while Tech will move the ball some, they will be stopped more than they’ll score. Tech must get to Murray without sending the house; they’ll either get beat on the hot read or gashed by runs if they blitz a lot.
10per
November 20th, 2012
10:53 am
I see this one going the way the last few have…UGA throwing short slants all day long. 5 yards and a tackle, or break the tackle for an extra 15. We have not been able to figure that out for years, there is no reason for UGA to do anything different.
SNOWBALL's CHANCE
November 20th, 2012
10:54 am
We BETTER worry. Back to back weekends of being nationally embarrassed. Geesh. How come we continue to settle for mediocrity? I keep hearing the “World Wide Leader” say GT will be invited to the SEC in four years. WHY? UGA/SEC already has the TV market in ATL/GA. Surely it can’t be for the quality of typical ACC football or basketball for that matter. What does anyone see in our program as a whole?
Rick James
November 20th, 2012
10:59 am
Tech had no answer for stopping Middle Tennesee St,BYU,North Carolin or Duke..And now they have to stop one of the best offenses in the SEC which is also second in the nation in making plays of 40 plus yards..
Rick James
November 20th, 2012
11:03 am
@So much for $EC
Stub Hub:
ACC Championship Tickets
Priced from $7.99
SEC Championship Tickets
Priced from $5.50
—————————————————
An outright lie..$5.50 wont get you a coke at the SEC game much less a ticket.The cheapest ticket I saw was $500.00.And actually ACC tickets are $6.99
DocDawg
November 20th, 2012
11:08 am
Black & white, Florida may have something to say about your perception, may want to watch the Fl/SC game as well to put it in the proper perspective, then for fun watch what Ga did to Fl offense with exception of a few teams the ACC is a bball conference. We`ll see how it goes Sat, but this GA team is far superior to last year`s version, Tech on a run lately, but D highly suspect, I wouldn`t bet the ranch on this one if I were you.
yeller bug
November 20th, 2012
11:10 am
Maybe like UGA did to Nesbitt, Murray will have to scramble and then while being tackled, his ankle gets twisted and he has to come out of the game. Do you guys have a backup QB that is ready? It could happen and would change the entire complexion of the game. Without Murray, your team couldn’t score on Boston College. Face it–UGA is a one trick pony. If GT can get Murray rattled (granted a BIG IF), then your offense collapses and you puppies panic aka USC.
And, yeller bug...
November 20th, 2012
11:19 am
…Roberto “hands of stone” Duran also said “no mas”…
Rick James
November 20th, 2012
11:25 am
@yeller bug
Maybe like UGA did to Nesbitt, Murray will have to scramble and then while being tackled, his ankle gets twisted and he has to come out of the game. Do you guys have a backup QB that is ready? It could happen and would change the entire complexion of the game. Without Murray, your team couldn’t score on Boston College. Face it–UGA is a one trick pony. If GT can get Murray rattled (granted a BIG IF), then your offense collapses and you puppies panic aka USC.
————————————————————————————————————————–
I’m sure you will get to see who Murry’s backup is Saturday.Richt will probably pull the starters when the game is out reach..Tech’s defense cant stop Georgia’s scout team so we could still win with a backup quarterback.
Rick James
November 20th, 2012
11:27 am
@yeller bug
One more thing..Georgia Tech is not South Caroilna..You dont have the talent to cause Murry the same problems.
Georgia Tech University
November 20th, 2012
11:29 am
They love their football team
their loyalty is never in doubt
they rarely ever miss a match
from the stands they scream and shout
GEORGIA TECH UNIVERSITY
What a name called?
Football a game called,
To known Grant and Bobby called stadium,
Played eleven to eleven side to side each
GEORGIA TECH UNIVERSITY
After stepping into the field
there is no way out
even before you start the game
you hear the fans shout
WHO AM I?
GEORGIA TECH UNIVERSITY
@yeller bug
November 20th, 2012
11:31 am
You are correct Murray is Key to the Georgia offense , but Georgia also averages 193 yards per game rushing , and the backups aren’t without talent. I want some of what you are smoking if you think the Tech defense is even in the same universe as the South Carolina defense.
sean jones
November 20th, 2012
11:34 am
UGA will beat Tech then get drubbed by a superior BAMA….yawn. Who cares?? Bama will win its 15th and all will be right in the world of college football
sean jones
November 20th, 2012
11:36 am
Richt<Miles<Spurrier<Saben……all you need to know
RickyReader
November 20th, 2012
11:53 am
Tech can focus or stare fuzzily, but the ACC is merely a step above 6-AAAAA and as a football conference is less than irrelevant!
headley lamar
November 20th, 2012
12:02 pm
Better get ready Tech fans
You aren’t playing Middle Tenn St this week.
I-DOG
November 20th, 2012
12:02 pm
GT has a better chance to beat UGA this week than people are givig them credit for. The option helps even out the talent which is tilted toward the Dawgs and I’m sure tech fans would love to play spoiler. Not much pressure on tech if it is a close game going into the 2nd half.
This is the week were we hear the academic argument OVER AND OVER. How, tech can’t possibly compete with a football factory like UGA. The institute doesn’ recruit the same players. How many of you feel that way?
Lets look at some facts:
For the most recent recruiting class enrolled at UGA, there were 19 players signed. Ten of them were offered by tech or Duke/Wake Forest/Virginia (7 of them tech itself).
Even a UGA grad like me knows that 10 out of 19 is nearly half (a little joke). So, tech and Duke are going after many of the same players, but UGA is actually signing them. tech and Duke have offered the recruit a scholarship and tried to woo them, but they failed. They didn’t turn away because of academics.
The next argument might be…Yeah, but that is probaby the kickers and maybe some skill position guys, these 10 out of 19 are not the REAL players.
Lets look at some facts:
Gurley and Marshall were both offered by tech and Duke. Gurley is the best offensive players on the team as a true freshman. Marshall is getting a ton of playing time as a true freshman. Jenkins and Taylor, two defensive lineman were offered by tech. One is playing a ton and was a 5 star recruit one is in JUCO I believe. Again, both offered by tech.
How would tech be looking if you had signed Gurley, Marshall, and Jenkins among others?
Of the 9 players that tech or Duke did not offer… 2 of them are kickers that likely would have gotten offers from tech, but they were VERY early signees and they basically got offers from nobody else because school’s knew that they were solid UGA from the get go.
There may be other players that tech would have offered if the high schooler showed any interest like Theus (starting on the OL).
tech is a great university and has a proud tradition in sports. I think it is weak though to use the old line “we can’t compete with Georgia because we don’t offer the same kids.”
GTF GRAD
November 20th, 2012
12:11 pm
I think you DAWG fans are the ones who are delusional, us TECH fans are just hopeful. You’ve played two decent defenses all year (one of which beat your tails) and you think you have the best offense in the SEC? Get real. You played one of the most Nancy schedules in all of the SEC. No doubt Tech’s schedule was weak, but you have proved nothing yet! THWG
Hey Sean Jones, Learn to Spell
November 20th, 2012
12:15 pm
It’s SABAN, not Saben, you dumbass.
You just proved that Bama fans are uneducated hicks…………………….
Rick James
November 20th, 2012
12:21 pm
@GTF GRAD
I think you DAWG fans are the ones who are delusional, us TECH fans are just hopeful. You’ve played two decent defenses all year (one of which beat your tails) and you think you have the best offense in the SEC? Get real. You played one of the most Nancy schedules in all of the SEC. No doubt Tech’s schedule was weak, but you have proved nothing yet! THWG
———————————————————————————————————————
Georgia Tech’s defense has given up 40 plus points 5 times this season!! Again 40 plus points 5 times this season..Were all of those offenses great? The team with the “decent” defense that beat Georgia was South Carolina not Middle Tennesee St..Keep in mind that BYU completly shut your offense down..BYU!
Crazy Robert
November 20th, 2012
12:24 pm
In the last two games the D has had enough success to keep the O on the right side of the score. They don’t have to be perfect, just good enough to keep doing that.
UhOh
November 20th, 2012
12:32 pm
Pretty sure Kansas St and Oregon fans thought their teams couldn’t possibly be looking ahead. It’s easy to say that 100% of the focus is on this weeks opponent, but these are 18-22 yr old kids. They’re looking ahead. Don’t think Tech will win, but I didn’t think Baylor would win either
I-DOG
November 20th, 2012
12:46 pm
UhOh:
Well said, anything can happen in this game. GT will likely get a lot of yards, I’m just hoping that we keep them betwen the 20’s and force a lot of feild goals and force some turnovers as well.
Offensively, I can’t see tech stopping both the pass and the run. However, if UGA commits penalties and turnovers and forgets about the running game it could get interesting.
Tech Troll 13
November 20th, 2012
1:05 pm
With our offense, we have a punchers chance, but it’s a small one.
Gurley is the problem. I don’t see us being able to stop him. Our only real hope is to stack the line and hope Murray throws a few to us.
Jon Heisman
November 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
What would Heisman do when faced against apparent insurmountable odds?
Fight!
If GT wants it more, then we WILL win!!!
BigTimeTECHFan
November 20th, 2012
1:25 pm
Go Jackets, Beat Geogeh
TeknocratNOTdemokrat
November 20th, 2012
1:37 pm
The OL is a good point…personally, I don’t think that GT will have THAT much of a problem hangin’ points on the dwagz D…I’m worried about OUR D…do they have a few major stops in’em? If they do, we can win, otherwise our secondary will get taken apart. We stop the run and the long play and they’ll dink and dunk us to death w/short passes.
Remember though, we’ve only been blown out of 1 of the past 4 games, the others, GT could have won but for 1 or 2 blown plays. Watching the BYU tapes won’r help much – remember that BYU plays at least one SpreadOp/TripOP team every year so they know how to play it.
If dwagz aren’t focused – we win.
Jacket Man
November 20th, 2012
1:43 pm
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=JGYd6_2ldNg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJGYd6_2ldNg
Jacket Detective
November 20th, 2012
2:08 pm
Poor Dawgs.
They have to mortgage their home to see SECCG while Tech Ticket office just offered to pay me $100 and my favorite Gold Rush babe as company if I’ll go.
This guip will probably get in in trouble with both fanbases but have at it.
Jacket Detective
November 20th, 2012
2:08 pm
quip not guip
GT Joe
November 20th, 2012
2:30 pm
We win with Vad. Lose with Tevin.
It really is that simple.
Tech Troll 13
November 20th, 2012
2:43 pm
Ther’s VL Joe. We can always count on you making this about Vad.
And, GT Joe...
November 20th, 2012
2:49 pm
…you would have lost to Dook with Vad, but CPJ played TW so Tech won – go figure…
Supersize that order, mutt
November 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
We would have lost to UNC without Vad, and we would have lost to Duke without Tevin. Who know’s which man’s game is better suited for UGA. We will find out Saturday.
NASCDAWG
November 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
You have to love Tech fans, ever the optimist. It should be fun!