Bulldogs, Jackets seeking a boost from their defense
Todd Grantham's Georgia defense ranks among leaders nationally in several categories, but struggled last year against Tech. (Jason Getz/AJC)
Two years ago, the head coaches at Georgia and Georgia Tech, both with offensive backgrounds, fired their respective defensive coordinators.
So ended the frequent lampooning of Willie Martinez in Athens and the most often heard question at Tech, “What idiot is coaching Paul Johnson’s defense?” (His name was Dave Wommack.)
As Georgia and Georgia Tech prepare to face each other again Saturday, it’s easy to see that the biggest difference between the programs is defense.
The Bulldogs rank fourth nationally in total defense, 11th in scoring, ninth in takeaways and second in third-down percentage.
The Jackets, in those respective categories, rank 43rd, 56th, 52nd and 89th.
Now, it would be an oversimplification to say Todd Grantham is succeeding in his job and Al Groh isn’t. Grantham has better players. But after seeing some progress on defense, Tech has allowed 68 points and 827 yards in the past two weeks against Virginia Tech and Duke, which doesn’t equate to a gold star on Groh’s late-season resume.
Saturday’s game could go a long way toward affirming direction for both coordinators and, it follows, both programs.
It’s easy to diminish the Bulldogs’ defensive accomplishments because of a soft schedule. That won’t be an issue against Tech. The Dogs may have won two of three against the Jackets since Johnson’s arrival, but they really haven’t stopped his option offense.
Al Groh's Tech defense has looked solid at times, but allowed 68 points to Virginia Tech and Duke in the past two weeks. (AP photo)
Consider last season. Georgia won 42-34, but the Jackets rushed for 411 yards and had 512 total. They nearly doubled the Bulldogs in first downs (32-18) and offensive plays (92-48). They held the ball for over 38 minutes. The difference in the game: Tech’s three fumbles (all leading to touchdowns) and a missed extra-point attempt (allowing Georgia to hold a 35-34 lead until Washaun Ealey’s touchdown with 1:29 left.)
When Mark Richt left the field in Athens, you could hear him exhale in Bogart.
It follows that when Richt was asked if he expected Grantham’s defense to fare better the second time around against Tech’s option, he responded, “I don’t know. I just wouldn’t predict it. If you saw that offense week after week after week after week and not just once a year, I suppose we could get pretty good at it. But to think all of a sudden that we’re going to hook it up and be good at defending it, I wouldn’t bet on that.
“Their offense is just extremely difficult to stop. It makes every possession so much more precious than normal. … The quarterback is a runner, so everybody on our defense has a very strict responsibility. If you make a mistake against this team, that’s when the really big plays happen. Against other teams, you can make a mistake and have a free safety there to clean up the mess.”
The Dogs have held seven of their past nine opponents to 16 or fewer points. But Tech’s offense has averaged nearly 37 points and has been held under 21 just once (24-7 loss at Miami).
Groh has two problems: 1) His defense has been dented in two games since an upset of Clemson; 2) Even if Georgia plays without (or with a hobbled) Isaiah Crowell, quarterback Aaron Murray is playing his best football of the season and effectively spreading the ball around.
Groh signed a two-year contract. He hasn’t yet spoken publicly about whether he plans to come back next season.
Grantham signed a three-year contract. His agent already is pushing for an extension, earlier than athletic director Greg McGarity would like, and is making noises about other opportunities.
So in a sense, the futures of both are uncertain. Maybe one is looking for a sign and the other is looking for leverage. This game could provide either.
By Jeff Schultz
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560 comments Add your comment
dawg555
November 25th, 2011
3:39 pm
If Tech is indeed the smarter team, why haven’t they found a way to beat us? The better team will win the game. If history is a predictor, then that team will be UGA.
Steve
November 25th, 2011
3:39 pm
Really Techman? You obviously like to argue without facts. Again, Tech lined-up three JOKES for their non-conference. At least UGA picked and played a real team. Soooooooo ready to see all the nerds faces after yet another loss to UGA tomorrow. You guys excited about also losing your 6th bowl game in a row?
You say what?
November 25th, 2011
3:40 pm
Come on guys….Ga is going to slaughter Tech, Watch.
Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:42 pm
Maybe its because most athletes are dumb and can get into UGA much easier than into Georgia Tech. College is about getting an education not just football…
Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:44 pm
That REAL team (Boise State) spanked your Dawgs too !!!
Steve
November 25th, 2011
3:45 pm
“Techster,” really? GT and UGA recruit almost all of the same players. They CHOOSE to go to UGA over Tech. Who wouldn’t?
poopdawg
November 25th, 2011
3:46 pm
You say , Arkansas is only playing for pride . Win or lose they have the same fate and they will not be in the SEC championship game. Crazy i know . Still pulling for the hogs.
Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:46 pm
If Arkansas beats LSU then Bama will play UGA in SEC Championship. Pay attention Andy…
Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:48 pm
I dunno Steve, I just read a few days ago where a 5 star player from Georgia chose Tech over UGA…
5150 UOAD
November 25th, 2011
3:48 pm
ON-SIDES Kick this EARLY? Les “the Riverboat Gambler” Miles up to his tricks! that migh not have been too smart.
dawg555
November 25th, 2011
3:49 pm
@5150…..You are full of it! The maximum number of hours you can take in a given semester at KSU is 18. At UGA, it’s 17. Don’t know Tech’s policy, but I am sure a quick google would give ma a similar number
Supersize that order, mutt
November 25th, 2011
3:51 pm
Steve, the Boise State game was added after last season for TV only, and they replaced somebody like Louisiana Lafayette, or one of those powerhouse (HA) OOC teams you originally had scheduled.
Andy Dandy Brandon
November 25th, 2011
3:51 pm
Any guys wanna go out on a date in Kennesaw area ?
Supersize that order, mutt
November 25th, 2011
3:52 pm
dawg555, I can’t swear to this, but I think the max number of hours a semester at Tech is 20. When Tech was on the quarter system, the max was 21
Dunwoody DAWG
November 25th, 2011
3:52 pm
UGA has beaten you nerds 16/20 and 9/10. You guys love statistics, do the math..
Shut up geeks – we own you!
Steve
November 25th, 2011
3:54 pm
Hmmm lets see. UGA’s strength of schedule is 43 and Tech’s is 75. What else ya got nerds?
Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:54 pm
I think Andy is talking to you Dawg fans… We dudes like chicks at Tech !
Terry
November 25th, 2011
3:55 pm
Supersize that order, mutt, Its was Louisville, and even they are better than that powerhouse, Kansas that Tech played.
Big Dawgfan
November 25th, 2011
3:55 pm
Ark.-LSU 14-14.
poopdawg
November 25th, 2011
3:56 pm
Techster , mainly big ugly ones?
jeffrey d
November 25th, 2011
3:57 pm
Oh yeah?? Well Georgia Tech….has crime!
5150 UOAD
November 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
Loves GEORGIA………………I posted ALL THE SENIORS and their listed majors.
Techman I also attended NGC. Kennesaw St is a good school. Working and going to school close to where I worked was the ONLY option. You calling THIS TECH fan for not going to TECH? I have been to close to every home game since 1972. How about YOU?
dawg555 I am older than SEMESTERS. I was there when we still had QUARTERS and a Full load was 15 hours. Overload was 4 classes and 20 hours. My Capstone course would not be offered for 3 more Quarters so I was given permission but the Dean to take 25 hours my last quarter. I had all 4.0’s in my last 35 hours. I had a 3.8 going into my last 25 hours.
GA Techster
November 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
Remember 350. That will be our rushing yardage against the puppies tomorrow in a WIN.
GA Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:01 pm
Will your three thug Doobie Brother running backs play tomorrow puppies ?
GA Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:03 pm
Your 4.0 at Kennersaw State is like a 4.0 at high school. Big difference between a JUCO college and a state college academically…
GA Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:05 pm
Are you employed as a garbage man 5150 ?
jeffrey d
November 25th, 2011
4:06 pm
Techster’s being a little pretentious
Steve
November 25th, 2011
4:06 pm
5150 NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOU OR ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE!
5150 UOAD
November 25th, 2011
4:07 pm
UGA has Crime too……………w.spotcrime.com you can see what happens on the UGA Campus.
The HONEY BADGER has turned this game around.
Big Dawgfan
November 25th, 2011
4:08 pm
LSU 21 Arky 14. Arkansas looking sick.
The Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:09 pm
I just hope the best team wins and everbody has fun, especially the kids. Is’nt that what its all about anyway.
jeffrey d
November 25th, 2011
4:09 pm
UGA has Crime too……………w.spotcrime.com you can see what happens on the UGA Campus
Oh yeah?? Well Tech has an underfunded Sociology department!!!! Chew on that!
stafford infection
November 25th, 2011
4:09 pm
5150,
you must be a ditch digger . . . that whole keeps getting bigger. KSU is a pos commuter school. Who do you think you are kidding?
5150 UOAD
November 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
GA TECHSTER……………meet my dumbazz but at the bus before the game Saturday. I figure you have tickets right?
jeffrey d
November 25th, 2011
4:11 pm
you must be a ditch digger . . . that whole keeps getting bigger. KSU is a pos commuter school
Before you make fun of somebody’s school, try learning the difference between “hole” and “whole”
5150 UOAD
November 25th, 2011
4:12 pm
Make that the Kiosk at the corner of Techwood and Bobby Dodd Way. you can tell me how much better of a TECH FAN you are.
Big Dawgfan
November 25th, 2011
4:12 pm
Arkansas’ defense already left home for Fayetteville…
stafford infection
November 25th, 2011
4:12 pm
thanks dad. you sure did get me. i bet that just made your day.
Pjs Manboobs
November 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
Joe Hamilton majored in linguistics at Tek.
Ga. Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:14 pm
I don’t meet Kennesaw Staters…
Steve
November 25th, 2011
4:15 pm
Isn’t “but” spelled “butt” when talking about the human body? 5150 is SMART!
Ga. Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:15 pm
Yeah, I’ve got alumnus tickets. Had them for 15 years.
Ga. Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:16 pm
I’m a helluva an engineer too !!!
Steve
November 25th, 2011
4:18 pm
“You are why nobody from Tech wants to come to the games.” HA HA. Also because the stadium sucks, the team sucks, the fan base is terrible, crime, no women, tailgating sucks, etc.
Ga. Techster
November 25th, 2011
4:19 pm
You can be a fan of any team but don’t compare a JUCO college to a state college. Period !
jeffrey d
November 25th, 2011
4:19 pm
You can be a fan of any team but don’t compare a JUCO college to a state college. Period !
That’s an exclamation point
Sam
November 25th, 2011
4:22 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team. Wants to go to Georgia Tech.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
Supersize that order, mutt
November 25th, 2011
4:24 pm
Terry, Kansas and Louisville didn’t play, so that’s only conjecture on your part
Big Dawgfan
November 25th, 2011
4:24 pm
Bobby Puketrino got mad at the chick interviewing him at the half. She should have asked him is he sure its safe to ever return to Atlanta after running from the Falcons job ?
Big Dawgfan
November 25th, 2011
4:26 pm
Jeff, you still eating turkey ? Where you at man ?