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
MadDawg
October 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Gotta love Peeples….
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Run it wide guys -it’s there
J.J.M.
October 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
what ever happened to that counter play
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Way to go Justin!
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Okay, 3 points, would have rather had the 6. D is playing well, can they maintain their focus?
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Schultz is a — Try that again. Please.
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Man we needed seven more there. Second half has been a bear this year!
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
JJM, that was the play I was calling for.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
2nd half will be diff this time
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Brent Mussberger and Kermit the Frog were separated at birth.
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Good coverage
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
26-27 starting yardage-that is even looking better.
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
@TAM…..LOL
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
D is playing HOT!!
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Where has this D been all year???????????
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
The defense did their homework this week.
Will
October 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
COME ON OFFENSE!!! The D is on fire!
PJ needs his mouth washed out with soap
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
PJ continues to show the kids watching on ESPN how to cuss like a sailor and scream at your player like a damn fool.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
Amazing what putting midterms behind you can do
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
Clemson has been held to 3 pts and 76 yards (one turnover) in four possessions.
lewisbuzzard
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
dawg day stfu
GT baby
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
If we can keep this up..It would be biggest upset of the year ..period.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:06 pm
I, for one think all college teams should not have a game the weak of midterms
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:06 pm
Dem dudes ain’t dumb.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Week
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Had it . . . dropped it.
GT baby
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
@ 9:05..u don’t like..sign off.
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Keep the cameras off those hideous girls in the stands. Sweet Lord, what a freak show!
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Hands of stone,…………………………ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
J.J.M.
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
How you drop that…
GT chock block specialist
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
High and low against a D lineman on every play.
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Braves flashbacks – Nooooo!
GT chock block specialist
October 29th, 2011
9:08 pm
GT baby
October 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
If we can keep this up..It would be biggest upset of the year ..period.
ROTFLMAO…
And why is Clemson ranked 5th? Based on beating VT? Look who VT has played. hahahahah
lewisbuzzard
October 29th, 2011
9:09 pm
Hill with another big time drop
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:09 pm
Like the fact we are featuring Sims more.
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
Offense getting into a flow now.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
What an incredible turnaround. Four weeks ago I would have guessed that this would be an offensive showcase, with Tech’s ground game (and an occasional pass) versus Clemson’s passing game. Now it looks like it’s up to Tech’s defense … and they are actually getting the job done! I just hope the offense can keep the ball long enough, and put a few more points on the board.
o-my
October 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
dawg poo…If you don’t like the women ..go to uga and look at the men.
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
Now we’re movin’
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:11 pm
You get the feeling that the Tech offense is starting to get their confidence back.
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:11 pm
late hit
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
It helps that the offense is making their blocks tonight. It sounds so obvious but that was what they haven’t done well for the last three games. This is a good sign.
J baker
October 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
Paul wishes he was the defenisve coach
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
Lots of hands on hips with the Clemson D line
TigerPaw77
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
NERDS
Enjoy your lead while it lasts, nerds. Because it wont.
Your middle school offense cant keep this up all game.
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
Dabo looking a little uncomfortable. . .
doggoneit
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
Jeff, I guess you got the short end of the stick and have to sit through a GT game…
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
Wait, this is the NERDS’ homecoming? Why is the place half orange? At least the bumble bees are getting first downs now, so the World of Warcraft crowd won’t feel bad they rolled out of bed for once.
Auburn Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
CPJ Death March!!
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
Yes!