Nesbitt must be better for Tech to be player in ACC
As Josh Nesbitt signaled, Georgia Tech won on a late field goal Thursday night. But the quarterback's performance was rocky. (Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com)
Let’s start with the positive: Georgia Tech defeated Clemson, 30-27, Thursday night actually because of — not in spite of — the play of quarterback Josh Nesbitt. Consider:
♦ On the Jackets’ next to last possession, it was Nesbitt who had seven carries for 44 yards and completed a third-down, 24-yard pass to Anthony Allen to drive the offense to the game-tying field goal.
♦ On the team’s final possession, it was Nesbitt who completed a third-down, 39-yard pass Demaryius Thomas to the Clemson 27, highlighting a seven-play drive in 1:55 that led to the game-winning field goal by Scott Blair with 57 seconds left.
But when Nesbitt and the Tech coaches watch tape from the Clemson game, they’re going to see several misfires. Overthrows, underthrows. Too far left, too far right. They’re going to see an offense that clearly knows how to run the option but suffers dearly when it has to put the ball in the air.
They’re going to see an offense that would not have had to frantically rally for a win late in the fourth quarter to win if Nesbitt had been better.
Before completing two of three passes for 63 yards in the Jackets’ final two possessions, Nesbitt was one for 11 with two interceptions and 20 yards. He was outperformed at the position by Blair (who threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Thomas on a fake field goal on his only attempt). The problems started early. On the Jackets’ first play from scrimmage, Johnson called for a deep pass. It caught the Clemson defense by complete surprise. Nesbitt had a receiver open but threw behind him. Had he been on target, it was a touchdown.
Because expectations are higher and objectives grander now at Tech, the question has to be asked: Is Nesbitt good enough to get them there?
The good news for the Jackets is he runs the option offense extremely well: His fake handoff to Jonathan Dwyer and a last-second pitch to Allen after drawing in the defense was performed perfectly, enabling Allen’s 82-yard touchdown.
But if the Jackets are serious about contending for the ACC title this season, Nesbitt has to be better. Backup quarterback Jaybo Shaw suffered a broken collarbone last month in practice and may be not be back this season (he might be redshirted). It’s up to Nesbitt.
So what are your thoughts on the subject? Are you comfortable with Nesbitt leading the way?
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330 comments Add your comment
East Cobb Hokie
September 11th, 2009
10:50 am
The real questiosn are:
1. What shape is Josh in? Can he endure teh grind of a season with all the contact he will get?
2. Need some X and o analysis of Clemson’s 2nd half D adjustments. Therein lays the real answer to the question.
45-42
September 11th, 2009
10:52 am
oh yeah, nesbitt is the man, just needs to keep working on the passing, he looked nervous last night. whoooo what a game
GTLoyal
September 11th, 2009
10:57 am
Nesbitt is the unquestioned #1. The backups are getting better, but they are backups for a reason. Go Jackets!
Mark Richt
September 11th, 2009
10:57 am
Uhmmmm, Ok guys, we have some film to study now on Ga Tech for the next 3 months. So, with our great coaching minds I am sure we will be able to out gameplan the Yellow Jackets once again.
Anybody have any ideas on outsmarting Spurrier? If so, speak up now please.
Ima Jacket
September 11th, 2009
10:57 am
No way I’m comfortable with Nesbitt….3-14 for a whopping 84 yards and 2 INTs. Completed about %21 of his passes. He sucks. When your kicker has the only TD pass in a game we’re in trouble. If we hadn’t of had that holding call we would have lost that game. Clemson’s DL pretty much figured out the option in the second half, so other teams with good DLs are going to be watering at the mouth watching this tape. This was just enough to get us by Clemson, but we’ll not beat VT and a few others on the schedule unless Nesbitt figures out the forward pass.
Not Disappointed!
September 11th, 2009
10:57 am
Jeff, I agree with you in part. I just don’t believe Roddy Jones drop a short pass that was end zone bound. Nesbitt has a rough night. Maybe this was our Gardner Webb of 2009.
Coach Johnson had a few plays that we didn’t execute. I was there on the 35. I know a win is a win, so it could be worse.
Ramblin Headache moring after wReCk!
P
September 11th, 2009
11:00 am
No doubt Nesbitt is a key and I think he was a key to the victory. Yes he had a bad game in spots but I think overall he will have a good year.
I think it was the type of pass plays Johnson called. Too many too far down field, not enough short stuff (like the pass to Allen)
Clemson did seem to adjust their defense but Johnson seemed to re-adjust the offense in the 4th quarter to get the yards needed to win.
@DanWeiner
September 11th, 2009
11:06 am
I disagree Jeff. I don’t think this offense knows how to run the option just yet. There are going to be big plays when they do things right and the defense doesn’t as exemplified by Allen’s TD run. Tech can’t survive on the big plays though. Nesbitt is still a work in progress when it comes to making the correct reads with the option. They need to be better passing, unquestionably. They still are going to need the run to set up the pass and they have to be more consistent on the ground than they were at times last night.
Buckheadboy
September 11th, 2009
11:09 am
I’m not comfortable with only Nesbitt at QB. We need Jaybo back ASAP. The system works better with both Nesbitt and Jaybo working the system. The Jackets totally lost their intensity last night and nearly lost the game because of it. It was a ragged win at best.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:09 am
He was there when he was needed. ‘Ima Jacket’, you are a gutless dawg fan. Your comments are stupid. Go back to the dawg pound where you belong. The Jackets will be fine JS. Last night I say some fatigue in JN play and he was throwing off his back foot early on. That will be corrected. These same bloggers who were predicting a a$$ whooping from Clemson last week have now shifted on the side of Miami. Idiots all.
quaildawg
September 11th, 2009
11:09 am
Tech knows how to run the option…agreed but save for poor decision by Clemson kicker and trick play call by CPJ Techs offensive output was 1 TD and 3 FG’s. Not exactly stellar stats!!!
Given the exposure of Tech’s D (which dates back to the last two games of 08 and last nights game) which has averaged allowing 35+ points per game (throw out the scrimmage w/ the HS team last week) and graduating their three best d-linemen and I see where there should be immense concern for down the raod for this team. CPJ came real close to being outcoached by Dabo Sweeny!!! w/ a Freshman QB no less…AT HOME!!!! Tech fans be damn glad you play in the ACC!!!!!!
canes1
September 11th, 2009
11:11 am
Next weeks game may not be as difficult for UM if GT plays like they did in the 2nd and 3rd quarters last night. Takeaway the first half of the 1st quarter and GT actually looked pretty average. Further, GT’s qb is not very good at making throws right now, and if Miami slows down that great running game, they will win this game. Either way, good to see GT continues be a top team in the ACC.
Not Disappointed!
September 11th, 2009
11:11 am
“P” you are correct. Nesbitt gave us fits, but in the end planted his feet and threw a perfect strike. The Defense got better in the last quarter as well.
Kyle Parker will be a good quarter back of the next few years. He looks like pro material. Nothing against my brothers dawgs, but Kyle being quarterback for the pups would’ve beat Oklahoma State. He has a nice arm and will get better.
Head still ache Go Jackets!
DawgMan
September 11th, 2009
11:14 am
Tech has some holes on offense and defense—they will have a rough time against good teams. Clemson is not that good. I’m looking at an easy Georgia win over Tech in November!!!
north avenue dude
September 11th, 2009
11:14 am
We got lucky.
CU’s D-line was pushing our O-line around pretty good. Even on pass plays, GT O-line couldnt block and Nesbitt was having to try and throw on the run.
Its concerning that really throughout the game the offense struggled. Some mistakes made by the offense on execution, but CU’s got some horses up front. We were getting manhandled in the trenches.
Give it CU O-Line, blocked very well, and was nothing short of a brick wall in pass protection in 2nd half. CU QB had plenty of time to throw.
Even tough CU QB is a freshman, he’s a real gamer. Excellent passer.
Only one CU INT was on him. The other INT bounced off WR’s hands in to defender’s hands.
We better get a lot better in the trenches.
I think we’ll be OK vs Miami. But make no mistake. UNC is as good or better than CU on both sides of the ball, and Butch Davis is a better HC than Dabo.
Ray Rackley
September 11th, 2009
11:16 am
Josh is the man! He’s got the option down and as he has more opportunities to throw, I believe that he will get better. He’s not throwing little short passes to make the numbers look good. When he throws, its to take the life out of the defense! Are those really high percentage passes? The one or two that do connect are for big gains or 6 points. Its not like he throws the ball 40 times in a game! Give the man some credit. If those last two drives aren’t confidence builders, I don’t know what else could be. This QB will lead, drag, run. and pass this team to victory. We use to have a QB that wouldn’t hardly throw a pass to Calvin Johnson and we have something to worry about in Josh Nesbit? I don’t think so! Its a learning curve and he’s already proved that he can pass one of those at high speed,ie, last year’s option. Josh Nesbit is the man!
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:17 am
Great insight quaildawg, spoken like a true leg humper. You don’t take any plays from a game, that is why they play four quarters. The past is the past, what could of or should of does not matter now. The Clemson game is in the books as a W. UGA had better be glad they don’t play in the big 12, it really would be bad. All you dawgs can do spout just how tough the SEC has become. Well to bad UGA is not an elite team in that conference. It will be a long time before you guys even sniff the SEC championship game and Ala, Tenn, LSU and Fla will NC long before you get close.
Tech Fan Since 1950
September 11th, 2009
11:18 am
Josh is tough and runs the option to perfection. I really do not know how he holds onto the ball so well in such tight quarters doing hand-offs and fake hand-offs while getting pounded. In Tech’s offense he is in close combat constantly and that has to take a toll. I truly believe he is a better than average passer, but obviously he has not shown it yet. There are times when I think fatigue sets in. It is more than being in shape, because the Tech guys are in shape. Just a wild theory that maybe should be explored, but Josh wears the heavy duty face guards. I wonder if moisture, perspiration or light glare might cause any problems with judgement on passes? I do not think I see most quarterbacks wearing this type of gear, but maybe I’m wrong. Josh is a keeper and he’ll get better as the season wears on. Hurricane Josh will be approaching Miami next Thursday night.
AtlantaNative62
September 11th, 2009
11:19 am
Tech’s entire offense – especially Nesbitt and Dwyer – looked VERY tired in the third and fourth quarters. Given they didn’t really play much of the first half, the offense’s conditioning (or lack thereof) could be a major concern. What was strange about Nesbitt is that he seemed to get LESS comfortable as the game wore on.
Nativebird
September 11th, 2009
11:20 am
As a Tech fan, I must ask, How many games must he prove he simply hasn’t the mental or throwing ability to take this team to the next level? This is not even a question, with Nesbit, this team doesn’t win anything but a middle-of-the-pack season.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:20 am
“canes1″, you can’t take away the first quarter. By rule it had to be played. You people are full of this would of could of crap. The game is 60 minutes long. Clemson did not play for 60 minutes and they lost.
Bob Bodafuco
September 11th, 2009
11:23 am
I think I could pass better blindfolded.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:23 am
Nativebird; with those comments my friend, YOU ARE NOT A TECH FAN.
Nesbitt's QB rating vs. Clemson
September 11th, 2009
11:24 am
NCAA: 42.7
NFL: 12.2
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:24 am
Bob B, you joke, right. Only in your dreams.
LOL@ QUAILDAWG
September 11th, 2009
11:25 am
Hey, sport. You probably need to be worrying about visor boy and how Joe “Tiny” Cox is going to crap the bed this weekend.
Also, can I get some fries with that?
collegeballfan
September 11th, 2009
11:25 am
Nesbitt is the QB by default. And he seems to have a mental problem with passing. He has a real good arm. He just does not throw the ball soon enough, holds it an extra 1/2 second.
I agree with most of you, the CU QB Parker really looks good.
And speaking of QBs, the MIami QB looked really good. We need to get 41 & 91 on the field at DE from the start. Next Thursday should be another nailbiter.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:28 am
DawgMan; Easy win in November. With what I have seen of the doggies I don’t think I would be predicting in that manner. Oh, sorry I forget you leg humpers are always thinking in the past.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:30 am
TO: Nesbitt’s QB rating vs. Clemson
Tech – 30
Clemson – 27
QB ratings were not part of the final score.
MoDawg
September 11th, 2009
11:31 am
I voice my opinion, both in good times and bad, so I wanted to congratulate Tech on the win last night. Clemson showed a lot of heart in coming back like they did, but Tech willed themselves to a victory and even caught a break on that holding call that was one of the worst calls I have ever seen. No way the ref should “ass”ume the guy was thrown to the ground. He didn’t have the right angle to make that call.
Anyway, a win, especially a conference win is great, so congratulations! I was definitely pulling for the Tigers, but it was a good game, nonetheless.
Robert Phillipps
September 11th, 2009
11:31 am
Josh Nesbitt is our only option right now at quarterback. I think he can lead us to a successful season, but Tech is probably a bit overrated (to be in the top 15). The problem is his inconsistency. Last week, he threw the ball very well but his backs/receivers dropped several passes. This week, he only made a couple of good throws and a number of very bad ones. Keep working on the passing game!
canes1
September 11th, 2009
11:33 am
Arizona Tech Man – I totally agree, they were very impressive in that first quarter. Just saying you can’t rely on that every game. Face it, they were average outside of that and if you read posts from other Tech fans, they are stating the same thing. I’m not trying to ’stir up the pot’, only saying that UM is better than Clemson, and a repeat performance of last night would only benefit UM.
Not Disappointed!
September 11th, 2009
11:34 am
I will fly down for the canes game. “Canes1″ I really think you will see a different team. Jackets are a working progress, but being 2-0 is better than 1-1. It was an ugly win, but I was glad to be there for the win.
Clemson is going to beat a few teams this year. They played a great 3rd quarter, but couldn’t finish! (Thank God!) Paul Johnson was funny looking at Blair as he walked on the field. Blair wasn’t nervous, but we were! Oy!
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:35 am
MoDawg; you had me until the reference to Refs. Thought there was a dawg with class in the crowd but alas, NOT. If you watched the entire game, What did you think about the phantom hit out of bounds by MB, Clemson scored on the drive. Oh and the hold against Tech after they had made a first down. That one was really bad, but we over came and won the game. The refs did not decide this game, it was the players on the field.
MyGoodness
September 11th, 2009
11:36 am
Ima Jacket…
You are delusional right!? In an asylum and they gave you a few minutes in the computer lab??? Fact is Nesbitt is by far the best QB on Tech’s roster. He passed the ball just fine in the Jax.St. game – indeed it was the receivers that dropped everything then. I did not see you on here calling for Allen to be replaced! Or Thomas! But for whatever reason…last night was the worst start of Nesbitt’s career at Tech. He slipped about four times while attempting to run the option and through mostly terrible passes throughout the night. Jones easily should have caught one that would have given Tech a first down but bobbled it about three times before dropping it. But most of the passing mistakes were Nesbitt’s. Note he also managed to lead us to two FG’s when the game was on the line.
jeff
September 11th, 2009
11:36 am
Josh Nesbitt has proven time and again that he is not a drop back passer, but he can punish a defense if he is running the option and then throwing when the defense is defending the option. What happened last night? Looked to me as though the play-calling got pass happy coming out of the huddle, and that’s not Josh’s game. Tech needs to keep with the game plan – they have the horses to do so.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:37 am
canes1, what makes you think Miami is better than Clemson? I don’t see the logic.
HelluvaEngineer
September 11th, 2009
11:37 am
They’ll be fine… I’m more worried about their defense putting Nesbitt in that position to begin with. CPJ makes adjustments as good as any coach, and I have no reason to believe he will work around Josh’s game. But they cannot surrender 27 points ever week.
canes1
September 11th, 2009
11:37 am
‘Not Disappointed’ you’re definitely right. Good teams will win ugly sometimes. Have fun at the game.
quaildawg
September 11th, 2009
11:40 am
AZ you have proven my point…I’m sure CPJ is not taking your “shove my head in the sand” approach to the reality that Tech’s D is average at best and that they were very fortunate to have built a lead off of an inferior Coached Clemson team. Time will prove my point unless something changes with D approach. I am impressed with Burnett and Morgan but other than those two the rest of Tech’s D is not exactly intimidating. Pass coverage is very sporadic and has been. Truth hurts but take of the single vision Triple Option glasses and face the reality that without better D play 8-4 7-5 could be the fate. (excuse me I almost forgot ACC 9-3)
Help!
September 11th, 2009
11:41 am
Why ain’t #37 deep on kickoffs?
News Flash#1 – #37 has two punt returns for TDs in as many games.
News Flash#2 – Our kickoff return team did not sniff the 25 yard line last night
Ted Striker
September 11th, 2009
11:42 am
Paul Johnson is crazy if he doesn’t pull Nesbitt and give Logan Gray or Aaron Murray a chance.
(Yeah, makes about as much sense here as it does on the UGA blogs)
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:44 am
Hey MyGoodness, there is no reasoning with Ima Jacket. That name does not really relate to Tech fan, he is referring to the straight jacket they keep him in during the day.
kirk
September 11th, 2009
11:45 am
with pj trying to make nesbitt into a passer, he has abandoned the offense that got him where he is. tech loses 5 or more.
kirk
September 11th, 2009
11:45 am
with pj trying to make nesbitt into a passer, he has abandoned the offense that got him where he is. tech loses 5 or more.
jacketbacker
September 11th, 2009
11:45 am
he has the potential but has to be more consistent….don’t forget, he was not recruited for this type of offense…..bottom line, we take the W and move on….hopefully, he plays better against the U…..
Go Jackets and THWG!!!!!
ED's Eagle
September 11th, 2009
11:48 am
Nesbitt has got to complete passes in order to open up the run. It’s that simple. I would have him on the field right now throwing his arm off. Tech would have destroyed Clemson if he had completed half his attempts.
John Heisman
September 11th, 2009
11:51 am
You can forget Dwyer. He’s looking very pedestrian this season.
QuailPup
September 11th, 2009
11:52 am
Quail Dog, You are the worst quail hunter in Georgia. Quail hunters everywhere despise you. You are lucky that I don’t come down there and give you a A$$ Whoopin.
John Heisman
September 11th, 2009
11:54 am
Arizona Tech Man you don’t see the logic because of your room temperature IQ. Good luck getting through the rest of your life with your unique logic and analytical skills. Football wise it might help you to check out a book called ‘Football for Dummies’. You need it.
JoeV
September 11th, 2009
11:55 am
Hey Jeff, how about some credit for the outstanding play of the Clemson defense?
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
11:56 am
QuailDawg, I don’t remember any sustained drives by Clemson. Both teams punted 6 times. I must admit the big plays concern me but one of those last night can be attributed to poor guessing by our D coaches. No pressure at all on the QB let the reciever run wild and that is always a disaster. The defense will get better because our DC is pretty good. I am trying to figure out how many ACC teams UGA has defeated in the last 12 months, oh, is that none. Please abandon the conference dialog it does not hold water.
Mister T
September 11th, 2009
11:58 am
The key to defendingthe option appeared to be stacking 8-9 in the box within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. The key to making that an unviable defense is to have at least a reasonable threat of a pass. Nesbitt has to be a reasonable threat to pass. When he did make the first completion in the forth quarter, it opened up the option as well.
THWg!
DawginLex
September 11th, 2009
11:59 am
The refs were horrible but they were equally horrible.
The calls not being made would have resulted in points on each side and the game would have still been tied.
Clempson will hopefully beat the ever loving dog crap out of SOS again and send him up the river.
I just don’t know if we can.
TNObserver
September 11th, 2009
12:00 pm
There is definitely a lot of work to do on the passing offense. Clemson was putting a lot of guys up in the box daring Tech to throw. And when Tech couldn’t throw, Clemson was able to slow the running game. If Tech is going to contend, they have to be able to throw the ball a lot better, and that starts with Nesbitt.
Joe
September 11th, 2009
12:00 pm
Good game jackets.
Hopin’ for a re-match in the ACCCG.
John Heisman
September 11th, 2009
12:00 pm
Your DC is pretty good Arizona Tech Man. Excuse me! He couldn’t stop anybody last year with three NFL prospects on the DL alone. And it looks like more of the same this year. Puhleeeeeeze check out that Football for Dummies book. It has your name all over it moron.
Shultzy
September 11th, 2009
12:00 pm
Hey Coolio Shultz…Where did you get those glasses? Off a dead Danish Clown?
yellarjacket4life
September 11th, 2009
12:01 pm
First of all, Clemson made some great adjustments to really shut down our run game in the second half. Give them props for that. However, when there is absolutely no threat of a passing game, most defenses will begin to stop the run just like Clemson did last night. Nesbitt must be able to complete passes downfield in order to run the option effectively. I think we are going to see teams put at least 9 guys in the box and make Nesbitt beat them by throwing the football.
If Nesbitt can start completing a few passes and keep the defense honest, then I believe our offense will be pretty good. If not, then we are going to see our offense struggle to move the football just like in the second half of last nights game.
As far as our D goes, I was actually impressed with the way they came up with stops when we really needed them. I thought we really put some good pressure on Parker, especially in the first half. In the second half, they were tired. Our offense was not helping them out at all. Still a long way to go on both sides of the ball, but glad we got the win. Hopefully, we’ll make some adjustments this week in practice and be ready for Miami. I know they’ve got this upcoming game circled on their schedule after we embarrassed them in ATL last year.
quaildawg
September 11th, 2009
12:01 pm
QP Let’s see if your big dog mouth overloads your birdog a$$. I can be in front of the UGA arches in 10 min. or you set the time and I’ll be there. Real easy to throw out a challenge through the guise of internet and beat your chest like you are some really bad dude.
Won’t be my first time to the rodeo.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:03 pm
JH, nothing logical tells me that Miami is better than Clemson. Just because canes1 states it does not mean a thing to me. I am not sure that Tech is better than Miami, I hope so, but we will not find out until next week. All of a sudden Miami is top notch because they beat FSU, well who is FSU. Neither team had much D in that game. Again, I try to stay out of the past when possible. I have read the book, I would recommend it for 99% of the blogger here, especially you JH.
Quail Pup
September 11th, 2009
12:04 pm
After I’m done with you, I’m going to kick the crap out of your poorly trained quail dogs and then wipe my rear with your worthless diploma.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:05 pm
You dawgs are such macho guys. To bad the tough fan base does not rub off on your football team. Fight at the UGA arches.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:06 pm
QD has a diploma…..damn
go tech
September 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Nesbitt is the leader, but he has to be better. He has to be more consistent and keep drives going, and make better reads. A couple times I think he could’ve pitched for good gains, and also hit the open Aback on short pass (take what the d is giving him). It was clear Clemson was selling out to stop JD, and running up to take away the pitch, so there has to be someone open one on one. I think they will get this sorted out as the season progresses.
I think the turning point was the Spiller TD past Cooper. Somehow the D can’t get beat like that. I hope Wommack is working hard on this problem. When they got that big TD, it gave Clemson a huge confidence boost that they could come back. We need to be able to shut that down. Morgan said they were on the field a lot in the first qtr, and that is a consequence of the big strikes we had, not letting our D have rest. We just need Nesbitt to not turn it over and to grind out yards.
VegasGT
September 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Well, at least PJ knows where to focus his practice time. Hopefully, there aren’t too many things that need too much time to fix.
I, too, would like to see more short passes. They should be easier to complete and should be a confidence boost to JN.
The bad thing about this year is that the expectations/hopes are so high. Well, the good year last year caused those. Every game this year looks tough, especially the first part of the season.
Miami will be a tough game, and a sure loss if they play the way they did last night.
I am sure PJ will use last night as a learning experience and get some things fixed. Remember, it’s only the second year running an offense with players not specifically recruited for this offense. PJ is a good coach and he will now have to earn his $$.
Anyway, only one game to focus on, MIAMI.
quaildawg
September 11th, 2009
12:09 pm
AZ it does when you measure the level of competition. ACC was a disaster out of conference in bowl games last year. You have once again proven my point…yeah Dawgs got beat by Tech but I stand by the stats that save for shoddy tackling of our D. The story that was avoided was how pathetic Tech’s pass coverage was against the Dawgs and LSU and Clemson.Your point is correct about pressure and w/out Morgan you have none. Well coached teams will soon realize this and double Morgan or rotate protection to his side and the coverage will become a real issue.
Hey I am a realist. Dawgs faced the same issue w/out pressure last year and they better get some Sat. nite or we will be 0-2.
GT GRAD
September 11th, 2009
12:10 pm
GT got a big “W”, but I am sure all GT fans are concerned about our passing attack.
Nesbit had a VERY ugly game, but I am trying to be positive……….maybe this will be the worst game of his career!
He will settle down and start hitting the open receivers. I want to see him scramble for positive yards when the receivers are covered. I also would like to see GT pass from the standard running formation more often. If I know when we are going to pass because of the formation change, I am sure the opposing teams know when we plan to pass. We can catch the defense off guard for huge gains if we throw the ball from the standard formation on plays they expect running plays.
One thing we all have to look forward to is the fact that the passing game will only get better……..better than it was this game anyway!!
Go GT!
Nate
September 11th, 2009
12:11 pm
Nesbitt obviously had an off night, never mind that a horrible night. I just want to know why CPJ doesn’t go for the slant routes across the middle to Allen? It worked when we needed it to but we abandoned it. Either way, CPJ has the biggest balls ever for that fake field goal pass. That was epic. Either way a win is a win and Tech goes 1-0 in the ACC. We are going to be fine. Miami will be better than Clemson, but we will just see. We need Dwyer to have a huge game. Period. The D must also improve. Let’s go Jackets!
canes1
September 11th, 2009
12:11 pm
ATM – like you, it’s hard to be objective with our own team. I will not say anything bad about Clemson as they starting a new QB and have receivers that have not been supporting him yet. While UM starts a QB that has yet to look bad in ANY of his starts. Don’t forget that last week was not his first game. UM also has rb’s to match Clemson and WR’s that are better at this point of their careers. It goes without saying that UM’s offense is no longer under the guidance of one of the worse OC’s I have ever seen @ UM. Sorry, I know he’s an ex-GT OC, but I think that was Chan’s offense, not his. Defense is where Clemson might be better, we’ll have to see as UM starts a lot of 2nd year players. We’ll see how the season plays out, but nationally UM is seen as better than Clemson. I still think GT is the best team in the ACC right now. I like that they are unique and well coached, but please don’t suggest Clemson is Miami, even if GT wins next week
The General
September 11th, 2009
12:12 pm
Josh Nesbitt is at this point no Tracy Ham, but he could become one. I think he’ll be alright over the long haul.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:12 pm
JH, there you go again looking in the past. Last year is history….I am looking forward to this year. I am not sure where you are coming from, if you are a dawg fan then don’t throw stones. If you are a Miami fan then I would not be to thrilled with my defense. Seems both gave up a few points already this year.
Casual Observer
September 11th, 2009
12:13 pm
I wasn’t pulling for either team as I am a Big 12 fan. I will comment on two things – first, GT would behoove itself to get a lot more aggressive on the pass rush or Miami will absolutely pick them apart. Second, GT’s OL has to improve (yes, I know CU had a lot of beef on their DL) if Nesbitt is to become an effective passer. Overall, a good game that went down to the wire. Was GT fortunate to pull out the W? I don’t think so – looks like they were the better team. Should be a great game with UM and I will most certainly be tuned in. Go Horns……Hook ‘em!!!
mountain_jim
September 11th, 2009
12:14 pm
Besided Nesbitt’s many poor throws, what I saw is what is going to get GT beat several times this season – the Center and Guards getting blown up at the initial option dive point, knocked back into the space needed for QB to hand-off or run laterally. Same thing LSU did to blow up the option, Clemson was able to also, and I expect Miami, VT, FSU, etc. to be able to as well. Since every pass play starts from a fake handoff, they take to long to develope and Nesbitt does not have time to see the field or throw early.
I personally hate that GT’S coach is so high on himself and his system that he feels he does not need to develop a true passing attack, shotgun, etc, for 3rd and long.
Clemson’s freshman QB so outclassed Nesbitt ing passing accuracy it was pathetic.
Nesbitt has to take such a beating in this offense there is no way he holds together for entire games, much less the season.
Cuz
September 11th, 2009
12:14 pm
Congrats on the win Jackets. That was a good effort in the fourth quarter. It appears both teams need to get better before our Thanksgiving weekend. Now win the rest and take the ACC title.
Ima Jacket
September 11th, 2009
12:16 pm
“Arizona Tech Man”….Struck a nerve with ya I see….I’m not a Dawg fan and I’m not delusional either. Can’t a fan have a negative opinion on his team if one is deserved? Nesbitt is a poor passer and your an idiot if don’t see that. You make excuses for him, but the fact is he was pathetic. He runs the option well, but don’t make excuses. He has to become a better passer if we are going to beat the likes of VT. The other poster nailed it down. Clemson’s DL pushed us around in the second half and VT’s and a few other’s on the schedule will do worse to us. He needs to be able to establish the pass if we are going to make it to the ACCCG. No one, that knows anything about football, can deny that.
The General
September 11th, 2009
12:16 pm
Circa 1982, I was moving material in a stall on the Tech campus, when I noticed scrawled above the TP dispenser the words “UGA degrees.” Still funny today.
D. Hamilton
September 11th, 2009
12:18 pm
Josh Nesbitt did not drop the ball, but he sure passed it to the wrong team. I’m not sure he can see over the line. Did he practice his passing this Summer? He looked tired and I saw no leadership or sprit. Passes are always too far down field and nothing across the middle or slant patterns. With a running game like this, you have to be able to complete a pass when they stack 8 or 9 men in the box to stop the run.
Give him some closer passes to get warmed up on.
Frank Wren
September 11th, 2009
12:18 pm
The time for smoke and mirrors is almost over
Gimmicks like Tech last for about a year or so.
Its been about a year or so
Same guy, schtick
September 11th, 2009
12:19 pm
Ima Jacket and dandy dawg are the same person, stirring $#!* on different blogs. Has no loyalty to either team. Just likes to stir $#!*
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:23 pm
canes1, nice comments but point proved. I think your logic is based on the experience of the QB. Clemson has two of the top 5 players in the nation on their offense, Stiller and Ford. Monday night was your QBs 1st or 2nd start but he had played in 12 games. Does not make him a veteran. I will agree that your OC last year was bad, hell he was bad at Tech. I cannot say Miami is better than Clemson and to do so would be stupid of me. Tech may not be better than Miami we will not know until next week. Tech had issues with Clemson and since Miami is better than Clemson, by what standard, then Tech will have problems with Miami. As the good book Football for Dummies states on page 34 para 2, “You don’t know sh*t until the game is played.”
Zzzzzzzzzzzz
September 11th, 2009
12:23 pm
Jeff, you ought to schedule an appointment w/ CPJ and tell him what he’s going to see when he views the film. It’ll save him time. No doubt Nesbitt can do better but so can the O Line, the DB’s, and the DL. The things he did better last night to allow us to win: HE DID NOT FUMBLE and he toughed it out on 2 4th quarter drives.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:24 pm
Hey Frank, before you start giving advise about football, learn something about baseball. Fire Cox (Bobby not Joe)
canes1
September 11th, 2009
12:26 pm
ATM – nice points as well. nice to debate with educated fans.
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:27 pm
Ima Jacket, no nerve struck. You are not that smart. You present yourself, with the name, as a Jacket fan.
Frank Wren
September 11th, 2009
12:30 pm
Fake field goals and a “gimmick” offense only last so long.
Kind of like the “run and shoot” and Jerry Glanville.
Reality is coming and its coming sooner than later.
TC
September 11th, 2009
12:30 pm
Did Jonathan Dwyer play last night?
Arizona Tech Man
September 11th, 2009
12:30 pm
You have a good day canes1.
TC
September 11th, 2009
12:31 pm
BTW Arizona Tech Man. Before telling anyone else on this blog they are “not that smart”, take a look in the mirror dumbazz.
Casual fan
September 11th, 2009
12:32 pm
Clemson’s O&D lines are awesome. The DEs were really penetrating and taking away the pitch.
It seemed JN forgot he ran a TRIPLE option til the 4th qtr. But I give him credit, he and the rest of the Tech O bowed their necks and got it done when it counted.
As for the penalties, I remember they called a phantom hold on Tech to in the 4th qtr.
As for the passing, PJ needs to quit going for the bomb. Put Allen or Jones in the flat for a 2nd option. When Allen Dwyer and company break the big run plays they don’t start from 30 yards down the field. If Allen or Jones catch enough balls 8 to 10 yds downfield, they’ll brake some big gainers.
The D line looked average… one guy and some other bodies. Gotta improve that!
But the BIG story is special teams! OMG, they played Beamer ball better than VT.
Darindawg
September 11th, 2009
12:33 pm
Not trolling…..just wanted to say congrats on your win vs Clemscum. My assessment, not that any of want it, but I think your team showed alot of heart holding on and coming back. It looked like they really started running out of steam (much like our offense did against OSU) in the second half. Clemson’s DL looked pretty tough down the stretch. I think your option thingy worked pretty good when it had to. Nesbitt wasn’t that great, looks like QB is one area we BOTH need improvement on. Anyway, good luck the rest of the way. At least you don’t have to play Florida and LSU. I think you might can take down FSU and Miami….not sure about the Jokies. Anyway, we’ll see, good luck.
neil marlowe
September 11th, 2009
12:34 pm
Nesbitt – the solujtion…no more rollout passes. drop back and throw 10-15 yarders. even paul johnson could figure this out.
Frank Wren
September 11th, 2009
12:35 pm
Anybody have any ideas on outsmarting Spurrier?
I dont think Richt needs those considering he has OWNED Spurrier. LOL
Casual Observer
September 11th, 2009
12:35 pm
Frank Wren, you probably secretly wish that UGA had a “gimmick” offense, huh? UGA’s Bobo should change his name to Bozo as he clearly continues to squander the team’s talent. Welcome to the Big 12. Go Horns……Hook ‘em!!!!
Nosebleeds_view
September 11th, 2009
12:37 pm
Nesbitt needs to get more accurate, no question. But in order for him to do that, we have to get run/pass plays (slightly) more balanced. If he’s accurate in practice, that says game situations are making him more amped up. As for all the other press today about the game, Tech had the opportunity but anyone expecting a blowout doesn’t understand the Tech-Clemson rivalry.
GTman
September 11th, 2009
12:37 pm
The problem is QB development. We still obviously do not have a coach that can develop the throwing talent of a QB. I do not expect this from Johnson, but he needs to hire someone that can. We have already endured this lack of QB progression with Reggie Ball. Anyone looking forward to another string of QBs that can’t even keep the pass in bounds when a star receiver with height advantages (Calvin w/ Ball, Thomas now) has one on one coverage?
Teach the QB how to throw the jump ball and teach the QB to take a three step drop, plant, and throw the damn ball like a man. Nesbitt throws the football like a high school girl. The worst thing for a receiver is to have to wait on the football when they are running a pattern across the midde.
Can someone enlighten me on who we have on our coaching staff that knows how to develop the throwing skill of a QB?
THWG! – we still win big against UGA. I’ll take Nesbitt over Cox any day.
mowreck
September 11th, 2009
12:38 pm
I think Josh was 1-1 when he thru the pass to Roddy (which he dropped). Make that completion and another first down … seems like things went downhill from there. I do think they throw the ball way to deep. Need to get him to throw some passes 5-15 yards downfield to keep the 1st downs and clock chewing up the time. The deep balls were 50-50 at most. The one that gave us the winning field goal was just a good play on the receivers part, going up and taking it away from the defensive back. Josh DOES have a strong arm and was throwing interceptions or not completing the long ball on line drives … seems like he needs a little more air under it.
I knew we were in trouble when Clemson started to passing. Anyone that watched the Jacksonville game could see that. Our DBs allowed an awful lot of completion in both games. We better get tougher against Miami, cause their QB throws the ball lots more AND better than Clemson.
I will give the freshman from Clemson credit tho he made some damn good throws.
TechStunna
September 11th, 2009
12:38 pm
Nesbitt reminded me of Reggie Ball…
Ramblinwreck83
September 11th, 2009
12:38 pm
Frank Wren,
I take it that your a UGA fan. Your the only one’s that use the “gimmick” phrase when referring to Tech’s offense. The “gimmick” offense is 2-0 any way you look at it. UGA is 0-1. Facts are facts and I believe any team will take a win whatever the score may be.
Pathetic
September 11th, 2009
12:39 pm
What worries the geeks more? The refs gave you a win to a bad team so you’ll lose 5 this year, Dwyer sucks, tech has no conditioning, the option isn’t working so well this season, or … you have the WORST QB in the nation? Seriously, I have never seen such a bad completion percentage and he had the element of surprise on his side!