How will Tech’s Johnson handle the post-Miami scrutiny?
Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt gets squeezed by the guys in orange. (AP photo)
Most teams can lose and have it just be a loss. When Georgia Tech loses, it’s an indictment of Paul Johnson. This mightn’t be fair, but it’s reality: When your stock in trade is a stylized offense, any reversal is going to be personalized. And Paul Johnson, as we know, tends to take things personally.
As noted earlier, he delights in flouting conventional wisdom, especially when it comes to his offense. Well, that offense just managed 95 yards rushing against Miami — 377 fewer than it did against the same Hurricanes 10 months ago. Yes, Jonathan Dwyer got hurt early, but Tech was supposed to have increased depth in the backfield, was it not?
So now Johnson will have to hear this topic bandied about in both cyberspace and the real world: Has the rest of college football caught on to his spread option? And he’s going to say no, that the offense if run properly will always work against any opponent, but how he wearies of the whole discussion and turns testy?
The loss to Miami was far more comprehensive than the Chick-fil-A thrashing by LSU. That game could be explained away — and Johnson tried — as a failure of motivation and special teams. The offense, he would say, wasn’t at fault. Well, this time it was. The offense did nothing. The defense did less. The Jackets trailed by 14 points at the half and by 23 after three quarters, and now nobody’s really sure what to make of Tech.
“I think we’re going to be good,” Johnson said a couple of weeks ago, but the near-flop against Clemson and the total collapse against Miami have left everything open to question. And next comes North Carolina, which came closest to shutting down that offense last season, and dates with Florida State and Virginia Tech — and yes, with Georgia — still remain.
A cult of personality has arisen ’round Johnson. Tech fans love his tough talk, and they loved it even more when he beat Georgia. But now his highly regarded team has suffered a major blow, and it’s incumbent on PJ not to take the inevitable questions — from both fans and media — as signs of insubordination.
He gets paid a lot of money to coach his team. Here’s where PJ has to duck his head, ignore the chatter and keep coaching.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
354 comments Add your comment
BJohnDawg
September 18th, 2009
12:56 pm
TECH SUX! and morons like m, ST. Simon, Ramble on and other are in hiding.
Right where they belong…bugs in hiding.
Saint 33-17 Simons Turban
September 18th, 2009
12:58 pm
According to GT Man, we’re a loyal to the coaches, players and AD regardless of how many games we’re use to losing. I couldn’t agree more. Our Sports Marketing department is famous for offering free gifts to get our fan base in the stands.
My technology outsourcing company is working with the GT Athletics department to provide Curry spice racks, Turbans and Korans to the first 75 students who show up at the next Tech home game.
confused
September 18th, 2009
12:59 pm
Nesbitt clearly is not comfortable throwing the ball….did everyone notice(and i would think the coaches would and correct it)that every time he dropped back to pass, he dropped back with his body turned left, then had to reset his feet (turn his body) to throw?? that’s the kind of thing you work out in practice……..
Trade School Junkie
September 18th, 2009
1:02 pm
If the game was on the line, then…maybe…CPJ getting in someone’s grill looks more “part of the game.” But, it was on a 2 pt conversion try with Miami in TOTAL control of the game.
If you REEEEALLY want to see a foul-mouth college HC,
just youtube Pete Carroll.
duh
September 18th, 2009
1:06 pm
2 comments:
1) what is the big deal about 3 games in 13 days? A normal “run” is 3 games in 15 days. 3 in 13 sounds bad but in reality it’s nothing, especially when one of the 3 is fcs (and fcs fresh out of d2)
2) having observed the ham-bone for almost 2 decades as an avid gsu eagle, 1 thing is certain. when johnson’s team gets down by 3 or more scores it’s pretty much over. this offense can’t overcome big deficits. we didn’t face it very much in statesboro and he hasn’t faced it much at tech yet. the o will be fine, except when you get behind big.
Cuz
September 18th, 2009
1:07 pm
Find a QB who can complete a pass when needed. Nesbitt aint cutting the mustard.
Is CPJ that stupid to show his rear end on National TV. I bet that helped recruiting.
Habersham Dawg
September 18th, 2009
1:09 pm
Cane Stuck in Jax,
Why all the excuses? Your beloved team got annihilated in Miami. Face it, GT is not as good as you thought
Yeh, I am calling you out. Man up and quit making excuses.
hardmanb
September 18th, 2009
1:11 pm
…”why was tech’s d-line gassed in the first half? do they have 0 depth?”
You are thinking clearly. Tech played 3 games in 13 days and won 2 of 3, and lost to one of the two stronger opponents. It’s not the end of the world. We will have 10 days before UNC at home.
The entire team, both lines, the secondary, running backs…all had weak legs and there was an overall lack of stamina and energy. They were also faced with a team that had 10 days to rest and prepare, with players that were bigger, stronger and faster. Tech must play with smaller players who are hopefully quicker and better prepared to be competitive. But accumulated team fatigue, plus short sleep from the period of first quizes and travel led to a near collapse. The team was obviously out of gas, but they at least played with heart and never gave up. These young men gave it their best, and they will improve noticeable with a chance to get some rest. Paul Johnson’s offense (and Dryer and Nesbitt) had no chance in the face of a dominating, faster and stronger Miami defense line that prevented any chance of offense plays being executed. Again, some rest and these men and Johnson’s offense will again be effective and winning games. Be patient, it’s just a season start at 2-1.
TopCane
September 18th, 2009
1:15 pm
NOW YOU KNOW…IT’S ALL ABOUT THE U !!!!!!!
leland
September 18th, 2009
1:16 pm
Dear Mr. MB–that wasn’t I. Your pal, Leland
Tech alum
September 18th, 2009
1:17 pm
Habersham Dawg is right. We got our a– handed to us last night and so far have laid a steaming pile thus far in 2009. This Tech fan has manned up and is not afraid to call a spade a spade.
BUT, whats with the people on this blog like JJ and Duh who can’t do the math to figure out a typical 3 game run takes place over 21 days. They don’t call you Duh for nothing. Again, idiots, there are 7 days in a week.
Regardless, that 3 games in 12 days nonsense doesn’t explain why we bent over, grabbed our ankles, and assumed the position last night. We looked like a bunch of swine-flu infested midgets playing a real football team. Looked like the worst team in Single A high school taking on the best team in 5-A. Outclassed, outworked and outcoached.
BigDaddyCaneLXA
September 18th, 2009
1:18 pm
The better question is how will YOU handle the post-Miami scrutiny? You were convinced the Hurricanes didn’t belong on the same field. I quote “even Chan Gailey beat them…”
So professional smart guy, what about you? When do loud-mouthed idiots like you get taken to task? At least Paul Johnson had 1 good year; what’s your story?
slick
September 18th, 2009
1:19 pm
Yes, good point Duh. Tech had a full week to prepare for Miami. The days were a little off, but a full week of preparation nonetheless. And don’t overlook the fact that Tech had since January to get ready for Clemson. Most people wrongly remember that Tech was rolling Clemson in the first half, but let’s remember the 2 special teams touchdowns. Basically Tech’s offense has done nothing since Thanksgiving weekend 2008.
Mark Bradley
September 18th, 2009
1:19 pm
Thanks much, Born2Buzz.
Duh and JJ are both idiots
September 18th, 2009
1:19 pm
Okay, mentally challenged ones, please explain how a typical 3 game schedule takes place over 15 days. There are 7 days in a week!!! Duh is an appropriate name.
shades of chan gailey and reggie ball
September 18th, 2009
1:23 pm
i think that the issues is the offense mostly.
too one demensional and not on the field long enough.
performance wise josh sure looks a whole lot like reggie ball. i actually think that reggie ball is a better passer. reggie ball and josh nesbitt were both recruited by chan ( i cant develop no damned qb) gailey.
until we have a qb that can at least complete 50% of his passes we will be in trouble. if we had a legit passing threat last nite we would not be talking about this offense not being viable. right now we dont.
navy runs this o and they looked just fine against osu. osu didnt exactly fold against usc so i think that makes the point.
josh nesbitt should never ever ever pass a fb again. EVER!
it probably wouldnt have made a difference last night but i wonder if having debo available wouldnt have helped. while he is not the athlete that josh is he is a more complete qb. at least his passing has accuracy.
while our d last night was not very good, it certainly would have benefited from a few long drives by the o. our d was exhausted once again. on the field tooooooo long imo.
Tech Alum
September 18th, 2009
1:24 pm
Gotta say I agree with Habersham Dawg. We pretty much just grabbed our ankles and assumed the position last night. This Tech fan is willing to man up and admit we suck right now and shouldn’t be making excuses. That was pathetic.
slick
September 18th, 2009
1:24 pm
Duh and JJ are both idiots:
Dude, if you can’t figure that out I’m not telling you. But here’s a clue – find a calendar, look at it, count, use your fingers if you have to.
Patrick
September 18th, 2009
1:25 pm
For most Tech fans I would just like to comment that you just suffered a crushing loss last night and that’s just the way the mop flops in NCAA football. Don’t worry – CPJ will likely fix some of the problems on both sides of the ball and GT could still go 8 – 4 with a decent bowl.
Now for all of you complaining about some of the UGA fans really rubbing it in, perhaps you need to go back a few days and read the posts from the following blow-hards:
Metal Jacket
GTMan
SatchelBuzz
Jackets2009
‘m’
LarryJones
Jackets2009
Zzzzzzzzzzzz
Not Disappointed!
GA Tech Insider
Wiley
Hey Dogtards
wreck’em
Stupid cane fans
Snapshot
Trade School Junkie
AZ Jacket
BIG BEE
W Peachtree Jacket
HOOGT
Garret
chuck Allison
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
Jack
Tech75
Sunshine
TechStrata
Pete
Chad
GT Rich
GT4Ever
Travis
Seth
Brian Jones TECH FAN
SWBUZZMAN
GT Que
Stinger
Ezekiel
GT_MAN
Gtbabe
Get the picture? Those are the clowns that invited all of the verbal abuse that you are scrolling through today. There. I’m done.
JJ
September 18th, 2009
1:27 pm
Follow along here….start from the 1st game and count to the 3rd game. There’s 13 DAYS. This really isn’t that complicated. Yes, there are 7 days in a week. And yes, teck played 3 games in 13 days. How stupid are you really?
Not so slick
September 18th, 2009
1:27 pm
Slick or not so slick,
Count with me now- Sunday 1, Monday 2, Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5, Friday 6, Saturday 7. 7 days between games with a typical Saturday schedule moron. Are you really that dumb??
duh
September 18th, 2009
1:28 pm
idiot tech grads – if team a plays saturday 9/18, then 7 days later on Saturday 9/25, then 7 days later on October 3, that’s 3 games in 15 days. that’s normal for every team in america. try using your toes, slick. then you can get past 10.
Patrick
September 18th, 2009
1:28 pm
The reason for all of the verbal abuse that the GT fans are having to scroll through today is very clear to me; all one needs to do is merely go back a few days and read the comments from the following posters:
Metal Jacket
GTMan
SatchelBuzz
Jackets2009
‘m’
LarryJones
Jackets2009
Zzzzzzzzzzzz
Not Disappointed!
GA Tech Insider
Wiley
Hey Dogtards
wreck’em
Stupid cane fans
Snapshot
Trade School Junkie
AZ Jacket
BIG BEE
W Peachtree Jacket
HOOGT
Garret
chuck Allison
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
Jack
Tech75
Sunshine
TechStrata
Pete
Chad
GT Rich
GT4Ever
Travis
Seth
Brian Jones TECH FAN
SWBUZZMAN
GT Que
Stinger
Ezekiel
GT_MAN
Gtbabe
JJ, Slick, et al
September 18th, 2009
1:29 pm
You’ve all stated that a typical Saturday schedule involves 3 games over 15 days. Try 21 days you bunch of idiots.
Clarkston
September 18th, 2009
1:30 pm
33-17. He he he
GSU Eagle 91
September 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
Enter your comments here
CPJ knows how to fix his offense when it doesn’t work. It just might take a little time…If I were a GT fan, my main concern is the QB. He has not shown the ability to set his feet before a throw, look for a secondary receiver or read defenses at a high level…
Tech and UGA will both hover around 9-3 this season…
AC
September 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
I honestly believe this offense in itself can compete with anyone (hear me out). However, I also believe the primary reason for Tech’s offensive woes lie with the QB. True, mis-direction of the run is the backbone of this offense, however, if the QB had even a remotely decent arm and accuracy opponents would think twice about stacking the line and the run game wouldn’t be as suffocated. In all fairness to the running game, the offensive line also has to get better in creating openings. With such a deep stable of backs and a highly touted WR in Hill to compliment a NFL talent in Thomas, there’s no reason the offense can’t be more balanced…which points the finger back at Nesbitt.
Next, the defensive line has to be able to put pressure on the QB. Derrick Morgan has tremendous talent but even he can’t do it all by himself. The line couldn’t even get close to Harris, much less get pressure on him. We also saw this against Clemson. Harris had all day to evaluate the field without worrying about the defensive line. He’s been praised for his ability to remain calm throughout the game…well, with the way his line protected him he had good reason to remain calm. But to his credit, he’s got quite an arm and accuracy. IMO, Tech needs to get better athletes. I honestly believe LSU whooped us in the trenches during the Chick-Fil-A bowl because our athletes just couldn’t compete with the speed and size of LSU (and for that matter, probably most SEC teams, with the exception of Georgia, apparently
.
The secondary also needs to step up. I believe in our players are quick enough to cover most people, though they may lack size, so I would tend to point the finger at the defensive coach. Last year, the defense had multiple NFL talent which made coaching a little easier but so far this year, I haven’t been too impressed; too many wide open receivers.
Finally…SPECIAL TEAMS! What on earth is going on with our special teams?? An oversnapped ball led to a safety TWO weeks in a row now. That’s unacceptable. I’ll just keep this one shorter and say we need a punter who can punt farther than 27 yards, and a kicker who can kick farther out than ~40 yards. Whatever momentum the offense finally is able to conjure up is quickly dissipated by the fact that they have to run 1-2 more plays to get the kicker almost within the redzone for a field goal.
Overall, is that a fair assessment?
hey Tech fans are HYPOCRITS
September 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
i have about 4 answers to your question….
1. it was the wife beater t-shirt you were wearing that had sexual references to your sister written accross the front.
2. maybe people wouldnt call you classless if you wiped the ’scoal drool ofin yur chins’.
3. most people who wear false teeth wear them when they are out in public. try it sometime.
and finally….
4. a bath and some deoderant would have made a world of difference for you.
Bull butter
September 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
GT is a better team than they showed at miami.Don’t be stupid everybody knows it.
WOW!
September 18th, 2009
1:35 pm
‘JJ, Slick, et al’
You do not count the 7 days prior to the first game. I thought you Tech fans were supposed to be good at math.
Joshua Barlowe
September 18th, 2009
1:37 pm
You know what I think? I think Amazed has been the most right so far – it doesn’t matter what offense you run if your quarterback can’t even get the snap off without having his ankles hit by the D-Line destroying the interior O-Line.
Know what else? I think UGAy fans have enough to worry about with their own team (giving up 37 points to South Carollina, who only scored 7 on NC State) that maybe they shouldn’t be over here talking so much about our issues.
A
September 18th, 2009
1:39 pm
It’s hilarious to see and read how many UGA fans follow GT football by their number of posts on GT related articles. Thanks for your support and it will be our little secret that you read about and follow GT football. By the way, what day is trash pick-up in Athens?
JJ
September 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
Not so slick –
Count with me: Friday 1, Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Thursday 7. SEVEN Days between Clemson and Miami. Apparently YOU are that stupid.
And while we’re at it, there were SIX days from Saturday Sept. 5th to Thursday Sept. 10. So that’s 13 days and in that 13 days the stupid teckies played THREE games.
Now, please, tell me again how there’s 21 days for three games….
Tech alum
September 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
Habersham Dawg is right. No excuses for last night. We got our hindquarters handed to us on a silver platter. Beat in every way, shape and form. We couldn’t run any type of offense behind that pitiful O line. And the Defensive line is pathetic at best.
We need to call a spade a spade, admit we got manhandled, and move on people.
JJ
September 18th, 2009
1:43 pm
WOW! –
Apparently I’ve grossly overestimated the brainpower it takes to go to teck since apparently you don’t even have to be able to count to 13. This is actually comical.
AZ Jacket
September 18th, 2009
1:43 pm
One point to everyone…CPJ did not call him stupid…he asked him if he was stupid..there is a difference…if the young man answered yes then he needs to look at himself and improve….I doubt he answered no.
Bull butter
September 18th, 2009
1:47 pm
A–Its like mothers day,its the first of every mounth.
LizDawg
September 18th, 2009
1:47 pm
Coach Johnson’s “Are you that STUPID?” tongue lashing of a college student made be embarrassed to be from the great state of Georgia.
atlcane
September 18th, 2009
1:48 pm
This isn’t last year, y’all. My CANES showed up and took down the (let me look back at the comments) “unbeatable” triple option. The only triple option that showed up was how to get out of Joe Robbie fastest 1)plane 2)train 3)automobile. We have worked our behinds off to get back. Wahh we only had a week to prepare – well y’all play FOUR nationally ranked teams your first FOUR games and then you can cry all you want. Change is blowing into the ACC y’all and its name is the MIAMI HURRICANES.
AZ Jacket
September 18th, 2009
1:49 pm
JJ..do you not understand that this is a blog and on that you do not have to be truthful. If truth be known most of these so called Tech bloggers ae really dawgs stirring the pot. It does not take brains to blog…if it did you nor I would be here.
Sandy Springs 6 Pack
September 18th, 2009
1:51 pm
Jack_in_Homo (FL):
The Poo has been a joke since Butch left (2001 was all Butch’s team). If you hadn’t noticed, UF has won 2 nc’s and will probably win a third this yr. FSU has also been pathetic this decade. If a state is to be divided up b/w rivals and 2 of 3 stink stank stunk, then 1 will be oh-so-dominate. See UF and Urban Meyer. Don’t you think the Pac-10 is pulling for UCLA to become relevant?
You are the epitome of ”Florida is America’s Colon”.
Have you applied some weather seal to your concrete block house? Do you park your John boat in front of the house or on the side?
AZ Jacket
September 18th, 2009
1:51 pm
atlcane – I bet they were not your canes last year or the year before that….You sound like a big ole bandwagon jumper…if the loose the next two you will be looking for a soft spot to land when you jump.
go to www.altshirt.org
September 18th, 2009
1:53 pm
and the Miami Hurricanes have just scored again! LOL
Melinda
September 18th, 2009
1:54 pm
uga had 243 yards of total offense against OKST. Why did no one blame their offensive system? uga improved from that game and I think we can too. Miami is a good team. They had 10 days to prepare. We have a lot of ground to make up. But I don’t think it is the system. PJ’s offense, like any other system, has been shut down at times. Tennesee held uga to similar numbers two years in a row and no one was ready to toss Richt out on his ear. Our coach has a proven track record of winning. Our team has not executed at the level we all expect. With or without this system, Paul Johnson is a good football coach. Losses breed doubts. We have lots of improving to do. I, for one, think we can. I, for one, don’t mind questioning the coaching decisions or execution…. when you lose, something obviously could have been done better.
It has taken Randy Shannon into his 4th year to get Miami back to prominence. They are a better program than they have been in a long time and the Integrity level and class is at a place I have never seen at Miami. Thank God they didn’t fire him when the chips were down. A little patience can reap great rewards. Let’s be patient, shall we, instead of making judgements two weeks into 12 week season.
AZ Jacket
September 18th, 2009
1:54 pm
Patrick – you have to much time on your hands…damn…get a frickin job.
AZ Jacket
September 18th, 2009
1:55 pm
Melinda, sweet voice of reason
Alabama Jack
September 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
Wow – a man up comment from a dawg? Where the hell did he hear about that concept? Is that something they taught in Stillwater?
Georgia Girl
September 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
Well it’s crying time at Georgia Tech today, it’s Black Friday. Do these numbers look familiar 33-17? The score could have been worse, but the Miami coach has class, unlike the Georgia Tech REDNECK coach Paula Johnson. I am a true Georgia Tech hater. If Georgia Tech was playing Russia, I would pull for Russia. Way to go MIAMI!
slick
September 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
LOL, this is comical. Look here man. UGA played OK St on 9/5. UGA played South Carolina on 9/12. UGA will play Arkansas on 9/19. 3 games -15 days.
Tech played 3 games in 13 days which admittedly is somewhat of a disadvantage. But much less so when you factor in who Tech’s first opponent was. Tech didn’t spend any time getting ready for Jacksonville St. All summer should have been spent getting ready for Clemson. Then Tech had a full week to get ready for Miami. And now Tech has more than a week to get ready for UNC.
Mike T.
September 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
42-45 remains a fluke!
Miami(Mark Richt’s alma mater) 33 Georgia Institute of Insanity 17