LIVE: Jackets’ upset of Clemson hinges on more offense
Tech coach Paul Johnson hasn't been a happy camper lately. (AP photo)
Welcome to the almost game-of-the-week.
Two weeks ago, Georgia Tech and Clemson looked like the center of attention. Both teams were 6-0. Each seemed to have a pretty good chance to stay unbeaten for two more games. But while Clemson beat Maryland and North Carolina to run its record to 8-0 and climb to No. 6 in the rankings, the Jackets dropped consecutive road games to Virginia and Miami (falling to 6-2 and from 12th to unranked).
The biggest difference in the teams: offense. Clemson has rolled up 115 points (12 offensive touchdowns) in its last two games, Tech only 28 points (three offensive TDs).
The Jackets’ offense actually has produced only three touchdowns in the last 10 quarters. This isn’t just a matter of the team playing tougher opponents than during its 6-0 start. Quarterback Tevin Washington appears to have lost his confidence, right down to making decisions and executing a pitch in the option offense.
But if Tech can get better quarterback play from Washington and/or backup Synjyn Days, it can pull off an upset tonight. A few reasons why:
• The Jackets’ offensive strength (No. 1 in ACC, No. 5 in nation in rushing) is Clemson’s defensive weakness (No. 9 in ACC, No. 76 in nation in stopping the run). So Tech has the potential to keep Clemson’s potent offense on the sideline.
• Tigers running back Andre Ellington has an ankle injury. He won’t start, and there’s a chance he won’t play.
• Come 0n — it’s Clemson! The Tigers have a tendency to lose a game they’re not supposed to, and they almost did at Maryland. Besides, a team that has allowed 45 and 38 points in consecutive weeks is playing with fire.
That’s it for now. I’ll be blogging live from kickoff, at least until I have to duck out for the game column. What are you thoughts about an upset?
By Jeff Schultz
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902 comments Add your comment
Yellow Fuzz
October 30th, 2011
12:36 pm
Hahaha. Glad all you chest pounding, AH dog nation represenatives on here were able to get by a banged up Florida team. Hahaha. While THE GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS totally dominated the #5 ranked team in the nation (which had far more talent and depth than us) with our “2 star players”, “gimmick, high school offense” and “80 year old defensive coordinator”. See you soon doggies. You may beat us but you will have to play the game of your life. There is NO WAY that you have more talent than Clemson.
FEAR THE FUZZ!
GT Fan
October 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
It was good while it lasted
October 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
I bought a ticket for this game more than a month ago when it looked to be a good game. Today, in anticipation of what I expect to be a really LOUSY game, I sold it to a Clemson fan. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I believe I made a good decision … although I would love nothing more than for Tech to turn this thing around, come back and win this game. The season was certainly a lot more fun for the first 4-5 games than the last 3-4 games.
You sir, are a sad, sad excuse of a sports fan. Win or lose, your dumb a$$ missed one hell of an atmosphere! Beautiful weather, great tailgating, packed house, energetic home crowd, and a perfect ending!
You should never be allowed to attend a sporting event again.