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
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
Yeah, but Dragon Con is over, NERDS. Maybe you’ll run across some Night Elves on the way home from the game. Oh wait, you’re not even there are you? Classic.
Jacket Dad
October 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
Unbelievable first half Jackets!!!!!!!!!! Incredible Defense and the Offense kicked in gear. Even special teams was good.
Keep it up guys and don’t let up. Clemson can come back in a heartbeat.
GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Randy Carson IMGT '83
October 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
Okay…could someone explain to me what the difference is between this first half and the last two games?
What is Clemson not doing defensively that Virginia and Miami did so effectively? Linebackers? Defensive backs?
Break it down for me and tell me what to look for on the Clemson defensive side of the ball…
MadDawg
October 29th, 2011
9:42 pm
Just remember the 2009 game–Clemson can make it close
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2011
9:42 pm
I never lost faith. I knew this team had it in them, they just needed to believe. This is not over yet, but if they maintain their focus & intensity, they will win out.
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:42 pm
This has chance to be a good football weekend. Can the Falcons play the Colts this week instead of next?
nick black CS/MATH '05, CS '10
October 29th, 2011
9:43 pm
GO JACKETS, STING ‘EM! memories of 1990 and 2004. gt v clemson is always crazy! STEVE HILL IS AND REMAINS THE MANG
Buzz ME
October 29th, 2011
9:43 pm
go Jackets just keep scoring and send Dabo packing
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:45 pm
Need the O to keep rolling and eating up the clock
19
October 29th, 2011
9:47 pm
Stay focused Jackets!!!
ole yeller
October 29th, 2011
9:47 pm
Randy Carson its not what Virginia and Miami did, but what G.T. did not do. G.T. is blocking tonight, they did not in the past two game. That’s the difference.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:48 pm
The difference is they have started to believe in themselves again and play as a team
Randy Carson IMGT '83
October 29th, 2011
9:48 pm
Ole Yeller-
I’ve seen that on the corners…receivers are taking guys down. That said, it seemed like Virginia and Miami were in our backfield all day…
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:48 pm
How much did they pay that girl in the tech commercial to wear that hideous gt shirt? Just imagine all those sad rats when they find out the truth. Suckers.
MadDawg
October 29th, 2011
9:49 pm
My wife and I have a bet going–do y’all think the girl playing the drums in the Tech commercial really is/was a Tech student? The Mrs. says she has to be an actress–no way she went to the North Ave Trade School
DS_CE91
October 29th, 2011
9:49 pm
Wow, what a half of football. I did not see this happening.
Wouldn’t it be great to see this continue? But you just know the Tigers are going to be fired up coming out of the locker room. Wish we were getting the ball first.
Ah well, we’ll just have to see how it goes. Hope I keep this goofy smile on my face for the next 2 hours or so.
GO JACKETS!!!!!
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2011
9:49 pm
Kick off not far off. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JACKETS!!! KICK ‘EM STOMP ‘EM DON’T TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THEIR NECKS. BITE ‘EM GOUGE ‘EM in other words, beat the stripes off of them
ole yeller
October 29th, 2011
9:49 pm
Gtjohn, I agree with the part of playing as a team again.
Gtjohn
October 29th, 2011
9:50 pm
If you play golf, you know what i mean. Some days it is like we just forgot how to play
BBQ MAN
October 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
looking great so far. just hang on and keep playing defense!!
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
Oh how I’m loving this…………we all are shocked & excited but we all are cautious of the comeback we fesar we’ll happen. Any who let’s say we are sorry for not believing in our team. I know I am sorry . Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
yeah, but it sure feels good when you remember how to play
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:52 pm
fear
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:52 pm
Orange is UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will
October 29th, 2011
9:52 pm
yes the girl in the commercials is a GT student, she is on the drumline
Miss Bee
October 29th, 2011
9:53 pm
@dawg day afternoon October 29th, 2011 8:13 pm
Georgia’s cheerleaders all look like Ugaaaaaly.
Half time score: 24 – 3!!!!!!!!!! Bring it on Georgia!!!
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:53 pm
Even USC is in agreement
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:53 pm
I remember Mike Patrick talking about how young Clemson is, I guess he forgot to look and see that Tech is the 2nd youngest team in the FCS
ole yeller
October 29th, 2011
9:53 pm
Gtjohn, I am a tour bowler and can relate to that. Some nights you forget everything you know or ever knew. Hope the team just had a few brain far!s.
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
Coach….thanks for not getting your T.O !!!!!!!!
TheAntiMe
October 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
What is Clemson not doing defensively that Virginia and Miami did so effectively? Linebackers? Defensive backs?
IMHO, the Jackets are executing their plays to perfection on offense, especially the offensive line who are making their blocks for the RBs and the QB when he keeps it.
Also, one other difference between this game and Tech’s last one is that Clemson is very fast on offense but Miami has some very good speed on defense and that shackled the Jackets last game on offense. The GT offense looks to be dealing with the good Clemson defense much better than they did against the lightning quick Miami defense last week.
Sorry to be so verbose but I am enjoying this game.
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
The first 5 minutes of second half will tell the tale. Clemson starts with ball.
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
10-1. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed.
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
C’mon Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! let’s yell YELLLLLLLLLLOW JAAAAAACKETS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
I’m tempted to go to my car and see if I can find Wes’ call of the game on XM
old tech grad
October 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
Had to come to Osaka Japan for a conference. Flying over I knew I would miss the game but I was not hopeful. Turned on game tracker at the same time Hill caught the pass. Hope they can hang on. This would be a sweet victory. Last two weeks they seemed to be worried about losing more than winning. Maybe this has turned around.
Regards
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
and take the laptop with me with the sound muted!
Mrs. Sweeney
October 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
They are puttin’ a whoppin’ on my boy that Babo won’t take out.
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
THE DIFFERENCE Not in OUR house ………………
19
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
Dawgtools, congrats. Now go away!
Go Jackets!!!
IL Jacket
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
Tevin’s passing tonight seems to be based
on the fact that he has time and he is just reacting not trying to steer it. Did you see how he stepped into both of the Hill passes.
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
YELLLLLLLLLLLLOW JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dawg day afternoon is setting a record
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
On the couch all day watching the jorja game…. empty miller cans all on the floor…. setting a record for most alcohol consumed without an official potty break…. the unofficial truth is that the couch cushions are soaked in urine and his mom won’t be happy about organic matter on the keyboard… Classy jorja fan livin’ the high life baby.
Stinger1
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
We play so much better in our own house !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ol'JacketFan
October 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
USCeast 14/TN 3
dawg day afternoon
October 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
That girl does not go to tech. If she did, you love-starved NERDS would have torn her apart by now.
TechMom77
October 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
Here we go…….
Not Disappointed
October 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
Jeff, it was nice to read your post on this blog from begin to end this eveing.. Lets Go Jackets. Don’t play safe; play to WIN!
lewisbuzzard
October 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
Go Gamecocks
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
Here we go — quick strike by Clemson changes things in a hurry.