Jackets stun Clemson — and did that just happen?
Tevin Washington and teammates celebrate after his second-quarter touchdown run.
(UPDATED: 12:15 a.m.)
Was it all a setup? Was the plan to unravel offensively like never before during Paul Johnson’s tenure on The Flats, lose consecutive games after a 6-0 start, then hit the BCS’s No. 5 team across the head with a 2-by-4 — you know, just for a little drama?
Or maybe Georgia Tech was just teasing Independence Bowl officials.
The Jackets didn’t merely upset Clemson Saturday night. They handled the Tigers with alarming ease. They played easily their best game against their strongest opponent of the season. They allowed Clemson the first three points of the game, then scored the next 24. They had well over 400 yards in offense. They won 31-17.
Did that just happen?
“We played hard and we played with emotion,” coach Paul Johnson said. “When that happens, you have a chance to win.”
And suddenly, a season that seemed to be spinning out of control still has the chance to turn into something special.
When it was over, fans swarmed the field. I’m not sure, but I think I even saw Johnson smile.
“I knew we wouldn’t quit — unlike some people,” Johnson said, referencing doubts about the team from media and fans. “I knew we would play hard.”
Quarterback Tevin Washington, who came back from two shaky performances to rush for 176 yards (a school record for a quarterback) and a touchdown, said, “Coach just told us that it was a great team win and everybody had written us off.”
That won’t be an issue going into the Virginia Tech game Nov. 10. The Jackets (4-2, 7-2) are a game behind the Hokies in the ACC Coastal, but another win over a likely favorite would all but put them in the ACC championship (with only the Duke game remaining on the conference schedule).
Dabo Swinney’s first game as Clemson’s interim head coach came against Tech and Johnson in 2008. The Jackets won 21-17. Johnson was 3-1 in four head-to-head meetings between the two going into Saturday, so it’s not as if the Jackets haven’t had recent success against the Tigers.
But how do you see leads of 24-3 (halftime) and 31-10 (third quarter) coming for a team that only two weeks ago lost to Virginia?
Clemson had won eight straight. It has one of the nation’s most prolific offenses, with 114 points in the last two games. Tech had lost two straight. It’s offense had been more like an old tire with a leaky valve. In the last 10 quarters going into Saturday, the Jackets had scored three offensive touchdowns.
That’s like giving Paul Johnson the key to the U.S. mint and telling him, “You can only take a nickel.”
But neither team looked itself in the first half. Clemson had five full possessions and was held to one field goal, two punts, a fumble and a missed field goal. Swinney left the field with that stunned wildebeest look on his face.
The Jackets failed to gain even a first down on their first two possessions. Then they scored 24 points on their next four.
They got some help. Louis Young forced a fumble on Clemson’s backup running back, D.J. Howard, and Rod Sweeting recovered at the Tigers’ 19. (Officials originally ruled Howard down but the play was overturned on replay.) Six plays later, Orwin Smith scored from the one to give Tech its first lead at 7-3.
But the key to the offense on this night was Washington. He ran and passed better than he had in weeks. It seemed in recent games that his confidence was shaken. When Synjyn Days played the final inglorious minutes in last week’s loss at Miami, the thought occurred Johnson might even make a change at quarterback if Washington struggled early against Clemson.
That wasn’t necessary. He looked like the Washington of early season. He had a career-high 46-yard run in the first half (when he rushed for 85) and then trumped that with a 56-yarder in the third quarter. He completed a 44-yard pass to Stephen Hill (whose spectacular catch led to a late-half touchdown run by Smith). Washington also might’ve thrown a long touchdown pass to Hill but the wide receiver let a perfect pass slip between his hands near the Clemson 20 as he streaked down the right sideline.
The Jackets’ offense was churning. It had touchdown drives of 80 and 78 yards to close the half, making it 24-3. When Clemson scored in the first 1:26 of the second half, Tech responded with a 77-yard scoring drive of its own to make it 31-10.
Tech tried to make it interesting. A Washington fumble at the Clemson three late in the third quarter prevented a potential 38-10 lead and an early celebration. With the score 31-17, a Washington interception with 10:39 left gave the Tigers possession at the Jackets’ nine, with a chance to close to within a touchdown. But on first and goal, Taj Boyd’s pass into the end zone was intercepted by Jemea Thomas (wide receiver Sammy Watkins turned around after the ball already was over his head).
That was it. Clemson had been given its last chance. And Tech had morphed back into a winner.
By Jeff Schultz
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379 comments Add your comment
this guy
October 30th, 2011
1:10 pm
btw, 2nd win over a top 5 team in the last 3 years (both at BDS).
cpj knows how to get his guys fired up for a big time game
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
1:10 pm
co Muttman…………..Vandy was 30 yrads and 8 seconds from tying Arkansas to go to overtime. hahahaha. Ole Miss, Miss St., 4-4 Gators, the Vols, Hell Auburn lost to CLEMSON. Shows how PATHETIC the SEC is other than Bama & LSU.
Steve
October 30th, 2011
1:14 pm
I think it’s funny that Tech fans talk about UGA like they own them. That would be like UGA fans talking like they beat Florida all the time. Face it nerds, you will always be second best in this state.
Steve
October 30th, 2011
1:15 pm
5150 how has Tech done in bowl games in the past 5 years playing teams from OTHER conferences?
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
1:22 pm
I don’t know STEVE. Why don’t you tell me.
dcp
October 30th, 2011
1:23 pm
2nd best until the end of November. Just like UGA topped FL for 1st time in a while, we will see if GT can top UGA for first time since a few years back. You do have to admint that both conferences are losuy this year, other than Alabama and LSU
Steve
October 30th, 2011
1:24 pm
loss, loss, loss, loss, and loss.
To DCP, really? Are you really talking that way? WE OWN YOU. Do you need facts/stats?
PhDawg
October 30th, 2011
1:41 pm
I love how people like Steve come on blogs just to talk smack; he must have little man syndrome. Are you short in stature or are you short in stature Steve??? If you know what I mean. Anyways, congrats Jackets on your win!!!
Jacket Dad
October 30th, 2011
1:48 pm
To say I’m proud of my Yellow Jackets is an understatement! I posted last week that if we didn’t play with focus and passion we would be wiped off the field.
Well, overall, you guys played the most completed game I could have ever imagined or hoped for. I hope we can continue this and not let up.
GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LKB
October 30th, 2011
1:57 pm
@ Buzz 2011. You may be right but we sure do spank you sorry butts 10 out of 11 years. What exactly does that say about your team?? I will tell you — Not that good. BTW – your annual beat down will be here sooner than you would like. Signed The only Team in the State of Georgia!
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:00 pm
@TechRon.
It called the road game effect.
The Clemson FG kicker is right now trying to figure out how he could kick it so poorly on one attempt.
Maybe you’ve never had people screaming at u wishing u ill.
If u ever do, your questions will be answered.
Before that in the Maryland game, a fade pass that was picked may have started Tevin’s loss of confidence and prevented that game from being a blowout.
I’ve never liked the fade since Joe Hamilton was picked on one as a freshman preventing a win at Notre Dame.
Bet some Clemson folks not to keen about the play today as well.
Every player stepped it up last night.
Anyone who sold their ticket should have to wear a bag that proclaims I’m a loser”.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:07 pm
@PhDawg.
Thanks guy.
I really wish we could get rid off the folks in both fan bases without the decency to behave on the other’s blogs.
Probably teens but lacking in maturity and common decency even if older.
Lots of Dawg fans were nice to me leading up to both of our games Saturday.
We wished each other team’s well.
Some of us grow up.
And some never do.
WE OWN TECH!
October 30th, 2011
2:07 pm
WE CAN,T COMPREHEND LOSING TO VIRGINIA.GA TECH,YOU WOULD GET YOUR BUTTS KICKED IN THE SEC TECH! BY THE WAY WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN ONCE AGAIN THE GEORGIA BULLDAWGS WHO OWN THIS STATE WALK ALL OVER YOU! WHO IS YOUR DADDY TECH?THE BULLDAWGS DO.
WE OWN TECH!
October 30th, 2011
2:08 pm
THE DAWGS DO OWN YOU TECH!
WE OWN TECH!
October 30th, 2011
2:10 pm
GEORGIA BULLDAWGS,WE ARE GEORGIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
2:11 pm
Sorry guys I sold my tickets because I sat with some other Tech fans. I have been to away games and purchased tickets on the streets. People, I wanted some money back since from the original purchase. Some Nice Clemson couple sat in my seats. So the F what. We have empty seats all the time. I am glad to have money back an a FAN of the game got to see a Great Game.
BreakingNews
October 30th, 2011
2:12 pm
Oh wait, so now you guys beat Clemson, so you’re all back on the bandwagon now. You’re pathetic. 2 weeks ago, you were ready to fire the entire coaching staff and had cashed in your chips…so now this week you’re all back in, until you lose to VT and UGA, then I guess it’s time to clean house with the coaches again…..what a JOKE.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:20 pm
5150 UOAD.
You’re forgiven.
But you went.
How about the folks who sold because of the weather or to get money back on their costs?
Those folks missed out big time.
TV does not really cut it.
In 2009, some young Tech fans who sat on one side of me told me during the VT game celebration that Georgia fans would pay huge amounts for their tickets so they were going to sell.
Since I did not want to be the overbearing older fan, I just expressed my disappointment with “you’re going to sell your ticket to the big game?”.
But I decided I was going to get on them during the Wake game.
Couldn’t though.
They sold it too.
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
2:20 pm
BrakingNews…………….you must be confused with the UGA fans. A few were mad at CPJ and Washington, but many more were UGA fans posting on the Tech blog.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:21 pm
By way of explanation of my views.
BTW my usual handle is Jackets 2011 but I’m so proud I thought I would use my real name as some do.
juvenal
October 30th, 2011
2:23 pm
glad to see the Tigers, nice folks, not a bunch of fowl mouthed drunks, wonder how many tix va tech sends back this year…….dauugs can enjoy their day like tiggers do when the they beat us, you own us, fla owns you, we own CU, 9 of the last 12, no Tiger fan will live long enough to see this series tied…….as long as that nice Mark guy keeps his job(was that his son?), i guess i can tolerate it…….
juvenal
October 30th, 2011
2:25 pm
Bob, folks tell me they enjoy tv more than in person, i ask them if that’s how they like their seks, 2…..
Rock you like a HermanCain
October 30th, 2011
2:25 pm
Tech’s secondary look legit in that game. Can’t understand why the Heartbreak Kids (clemson) didn’t try to run more.
Beat vippysue and we’re taking the coastal again – no way virgina wins out.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:26 pm
Dawg trolls.
All mature Uga fans were nice to me leading up to our games maybe hoping for good karma.
Even a Dawg fan doorman at a night club started up a conversation saying nice things about Tech and I said I was glad Samuels scored the winning TD.
He agreed saying it has not been fair to him to keep moving him from offense to defense.
Maybe u bother some Tech teens but for adults, you’re just an annoyance.
Adults realize the economy is in a mess and we need to cooperate with each other.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 30th, 2011
2:27 pm
Breaking news, yes, there are clearly some bandwagon fans at Tech, and I for one think it sucks. I NEVER give up on the team, and I have certainly never doubted either Johnson or Groh. But you mutt fans should know all about bandwagon fans. How many of y’all were ready to fire CMR after those first 2 games. He and his staff still haven’t really done anything to prove they are better than what they appeared to be in those games, but all is apparently forgiven because the mutts have won 5 straight. Of course none of those 5 opponents were really worth a damn, but that must not matter to those fans. Lose to Auburn, and they’ll be screaming for his head again. Lost to Tech (which they will) and they will bet trying to literally remove his head themselves.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:28 pm
@juvenal.
Good one.
BreakingNews
October 30th, 2011
2:33 pm
Supersize -
I’d be careful with my predictions regarding UGA vs. Tech…hasn’t worked out too well for you guys in about the past decade or so…
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:34 pm
@Dawg trolls.
Ask your dad if he enjoys the tax hike u cause him.
When u guys do manage to get under my skill, I just make a large needed purchase, like my last lap top, in south Carolina because I like Clemson fans better than u.
That sales tax money goes to SC and so your dad gets stuck for more.
Clemson couple behind me at the game lived in Atlanta and were very nice before and after the game.
They welcomed me to go there next year.
I almost hated that we wrecked their season.
Almost.
Robert Barron
October 30th, 2011
2:40 pm
In spite of some of the dawg trolls without real lives on this blog, I am glad they won.
and being an adult, I am especially glad for Richard Samuels.
He has not looked for what might be best for him but for his team.
I always have to admire that.
I do have a real life so I’ve got to go.
Man am I proud of my team.
Comedy Central
October 30th, 2011
2:42 pm
the tech fans are quite full of themselves. both here and at the game last night. there’s nothing worse than a drunk tech fan!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
Breaking News, it worked out pretty good for us in 2008, and it would have in 2009 and 2010 too, if Tech had had any kind of defense. I hate to break it to you, but we DO have a defense this year. It has showed improvement each game and it finally fell completely into place last night.
Scott
October 30th, 2011
2:44 pm
Good game, but man that offsides call… that crew should be fired
billy bob
October 30th, 2011
2:45 pm
Worst Refs I have ever seen! GO JACKETS!
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:49 pm
Well, it’s time for the players to get the much needed time off to recollect their thoughts on those powerhouse programs in VT & UGA. You know the teams that are ranked No 1 & 2 in the country. It will be quite a task to beat those Professional teams…………….Oh that’s right …………..they are not as good as they think they are . Oh and as for bandwagon………………It wasn’t to long ago UGA lost two games & they were ready to crucify RICHT. Hmmmmmmm Go figure . We need just to concentrate on TECH & only GT !!!!!!!!!
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:51 pm
Thank you players for playing like you cared lastnight . WE are so proud of your performance & Glad we are Jacket Fans !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
It’s great to be a yellow jacket !
Clemson overrated
October 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
Clemson beat itself last night , Tech is a bad football team that a had a good night against a mediocre team that played horribly. Maryland shoudl have beat them hell Wofford almost beat them. Grand attempt to have an ACC team be in contention for BCS, now like always zero acc teams in top 10.
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:53 pm
USC said they LOVED UGA’s defense .
Seriously?
October 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
If the “we own tech!” comments were posted say, sometime late sat night or early sun morning, they might be just annoying. But the UGA fan who has serious trouble forming coherent sentences on a Sunday afternoon is somewhat depressing… these are some productive neighbors that UGA is producing…
PDawg
October 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
congrats to techsters from a dawg
Schultzie,
What are you going to do to try and derail the Georgia success for this week? An Arkansas player took a chip shot at a Vandy player on a punt; are you going to call or email the SEC offices and demand that he be punished (like you did for the Ga players and Grantham)? Thanks for helping our defense against our biggest SEC rival, it was a lot of fun watching our defense struggle without 2 starters against a sub-par Florida team – too bad you couldn’t get Grantham suspended because he made some great adjustments at halftime against the Gators. Cheer up though Schultzie, maybe your Techsters can get the Dawgs in Atlanta this year or maybe Auburn gets them in Athens. I think we should be alright with NM St. this week unless you can dig up something.
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:55 pm
Never give up on a team…………plz…………….ready to crucify Richt & UGA @ 0 – 2
Stinger1
October 30th, 2011
2:58 pm
Enter your comments here
Jackets' response to critics suddenly gives them title shot | Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
3:10 pm
[...] Johnson cherishes like offspring, had produced only three touchdowns in the previous 10 quarters. But against previously unbeaten Clemson, the Jackets rambled again, totaling 383 yards rushing, 443 in total offense and four [...]
Truth hurts
October 30th, 2011
3:12 pm
Clemson overated? They will beat SC who beat you morons
Supersize that order, mutt
October 30th, 2011
3:15 pm
When Tech’s offense is running on all cylinders, there are not many teams in the country who can stop it. And if a team can’t stop it, then that means that team’s offense doesn’t get a whole lot of time on the field to make up for what their defense can’t do? Can Tech be beat? Of course, they can. But the better the offense executes, the harder it is to beat them.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 30th, 2011
3:16 pm
Time of possession last night — Tech 39 minutes; Clemson 21 minutes. Clemson wasn’t overrated; they were fast and strong. But Tech’s defense came alive last night and with the offense executing those CPJ Death Marches, it was a thing of beauty to behold.
19
October 30th, 2011
3:19 pm
Clemson was overrated. That explains everything. At least try and come up with something original dawgtools.
Go Jackets!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 30th, 2011
3:21 pm
I guess Florida was overrated too.
No, wait, Florida wasn’t rated at all, and yet the mutts had to come from behind to barely beat them.
So if GT loses in ACC champ game to Clemson...
October 30th, 2011
3:22 pm
Which of you yahoo Rats will come back on this board to say how awesome GT is if it loses to Clemson or as you write Clempsun or Clemsuck?
I am curious b/c you would think that GT fans, who claim be more intelligent than Dawg fans and alum and rarely show any level of athletic prowess when outside, note i am excluding any event using Wii, Xbox and Playstation, would not turn into typical ACC/SEC football fanatics.
GT played better and won the game. They were not like they were the last two games.
Clemson played poorly, looked lost with Groh’s blitzes and turned the ball over… again nothing like they have done over the previous 8 games.
The option befuddles many, not Georgia for some reason, but certainly Clemson.
I hope a rematch becomes reality on dec 3rd.. We can then throw out the outliers and watch teams play as they have this year.
But then again, GT has much more to do in order to make it to a Dec 3rd rematch with Clemson.
Good luck, Rats.
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
3:25 pm
So CLEMSON is Overrated? Well i think Boise St is very overrated and the Dawgs couldn’t touch them. USC is good but how good? so UGA played 2 good but slightly overrated teams and LOST. TECH plays an Overrated team, Wins but it shouldn’t matter?
Get it coming DAWGS. If Auburn beats the dawgs what will that say since CLEMSON beat Auburn?
ps. Arkansas is Hugely OVERRATED, but UGA doesn’t even get to play them either.