5 reasons Georgia Tech is even worse off than you’d think
A happy Paul Johnson after the N.C. State game. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
1. Apparently B-backs aren’t interchangeable. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 1,395 yards in both 2008 and 2009. Over the winter Paul Johnson said he’d be willing to bet his new B-back would gain 1,000 yards. Anthony Allen has rushed for 267 yards in four games, which would translate to 801 over a full regular season.
2. Apparently Bay-Bay was indispensable. Joshua Nesbitt passed for 1,701 yards last season, most of them to Demaryius Thomas. Nesbitt has thrown for 316 yards over four games, which projects to 948 over a full regular season. His completion percentage, which was 46.3 a year ago, is 32.6 now.
3. Apparently it wasn’t all about the defensive coordinator. Dave Wommack’s defense ranked 54th nationally last season, yielding an average of 360 yards per game. Al Groh’s defense ranks 71st, yielding 367 yards. In pass defense Tech was 45th last season; it’s 69th now.
4. Apparently “depth” isn’t synonymous with “talent.” Before the season, Johnson called this his deepest Tech team. After losing to N.C. State, Groh lamented that his defense had made but three significant plays in 81 snaps and that there was no “supermarket” where the Jackets could go buy better players.
5. Even with the ACC in retreat, four difficult games remain. Tech must play at Clemson, at Virginia Tech and at Georgia, and it will face Miami at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Given that the Jackets have already lost twice when favored and that their only victory of consequence came against depleted North Carolina, this team could wind up 7-5 — or worse.
Equal time (sort of): 5 reasons the Georgia Bulldogs are better than you’d think.
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356 comments Add your comment
Yellow Fuzz
September 30th, 2010
2:10 pm
And North Dakota State isn’t undefeated either but they did beat Kansas.
Yellow Fuzz
September 30th, 2010
2:11 pm
Really?
GTJeff
September 30th, 2010
2:15 pm
I can’t stand Mark Bradley but I agree this team is not any good especially on defense. Ofcourse since he predictions are 99.999% wrong every year (Braves winning the east this year, UGA winning the NC last year, etc.) we may go 10-2 & win the ACC & a bowl game.
Seriously though this is how I see the season unfolding.
Wake-Close Win
Virginia-Loss
Middle Tenn-Close Win
Clemson-We get slaughtered
VT-We get disemboweled
Miami-We get taken to the woodshed
Duke-Decent Win
Georgia-We get humiliated in Athens
That puts us at 5-7 & no bowl bid. Our bowl streak ends.
GTJeff
September 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
I mean UGA winning NC in 2008. Sorry.
John John
September 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
Dwyer wasn’t on pace to break 1000 yards at thise point last season… Calm it down MB…
Geek Squad Newsletter
September 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
5 reasons Tech is in bad shape.
1- They eat 3 meals a day at the Varsity and it has finally caught up with them. (Just look at Coach Johnson)
2 The players have a bad habit of looking over their shoulders. (A natural occurance since the campus is surrounded by ghetto.)
3- Instead of hydrating with Gatoraide during games, they bring their own. (They all have a Big Orange.)
4- They are confused. ( After years of throwing parties at Bishop Eddie’s guest house.)
5- Can’t torture Georgia fans on the blogs anymore. (Ackward when you’re worse than they are.)
WRONG
September 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
Tech will be fine they will still easily win the acc this year and go to a bcs bowl , uga on the other hand will only win one more game this year against the spuds thats all , tech beats uga by at least 50 this year in a warm up for the acc championship game .
go ahead and request your tickets
joeygt
September 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
im so tired of all the bandwagon fans win tech wins they are so great and when they lose the sky is falling!!1 what has coach pj done the last 2 years to show us that this still cant be a good year for tech?????
Dan
September 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
One reason Tech is not as bad off as some “think”: Over the course of Paul Johnson’s career, from OC at Georgia Southern to Hawaii to Navy, as HC from Georgia Southern to Navy to Tech, consecutive seasons of mediocrity, particularly on offense, are NOT common. Programs IMPROVE during his tenure. If Tech has a 5-7 or 6-6 record in 2010, it’s certainly a bet against Johnson’s career history to believe you’ll see 6-6 or worse in 2011.
dap01
September 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
I have never heard of a coach putting down his players’ talent like CPJ. No class.
DTC
September 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
You know Mark, I am sure you amaze yourself at times, with how right you are.
Paul in RDU
September 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
Mark – Can’t disagree with any of your 5 points. Right now I would be very happy with a 7-5 season for GT. I’d mark VT and Miami down as definite losses and Clemson and UGA will be tough as well.
The comments about CPJ’s recruiting crack me up – Gailey recruited all of those SRs, JRs and R-SOs who are playing, and looking overmatched. CPJ started at GT at the end of December 2007 and the recruiting had pretty much wrapped up at that point. His first recruiting class arrived in Fall 2009 and was mostly redshirted. The jury is still out on whether Johnson can bring enough good players to GT.
Brent
September 30th, 2010
2:24 pm
Where are all the UGA fans that say Mark favors Tech and bashes UGA ? Mark is a homer, but fairly objective when writing about the local college teams. Maybe you guys should actually read the articles.
ArkyTech
September 30th, 2010
2:25 pm
A little too simplistic.
1) The offense is better this year after 4 games than it was last year (Jax ST, Clemp, Miami, and UNC). In CPJ’s first 2 years the offense struggled early in the season and gained form in October. And Tech still has not been held under 25 this season.
2) Defense is disappointing, but is slowing improving each week (last year D got worse each week)
3) The ACC is not in retreat. There are no elite teams – but hasn’t that been the case for years now? There is a lot of depth – hasn’t that been the case for years now?
If GT wins the next 2 Saturdays they are in as good a shape as anyone to win the ACC.
James
September 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
GT and UGA are both in bad shape. Both teams need new coaches. GT need a coach that runs a Pro Style offense and UGA just need a change,
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
@Tech Fan Since 1950 – “We do not have the depth of big defensive lineman nor strong enough pass blockers. We just have to tough it out this year, game by game. I’ll have to admit, I am not too impressed with the coaching that is going on so far this year.”
That is a universal plight for the 2 FBS teams in Georgia this year.
joeygt
September 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
i think coach pj need to play bostic and smith more , they seem to be very elussive players
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
Meanwhile, “GTJeff” continues to fool nobody.
joeygt
September 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
g
Realist
September 30th, 2010
2:38 pm
The real show hasn’t even started yet. Johnson is a grumpy gentleman to begin with, but when things don’t go his way and he starts to get heat from the media, it’s going to get darn exciting. Get your popcorn!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 30th, 2010
2:39 pm
OK to all you that say pay the players. Here are the numbers from UGAs teams.
Baseball 42, M Bball 12, W/M Cross Country 54, Football 124, M Golf 11, M/W Swimming 51, M Tennis 11, M/W Track 98, W Bball 12, Equestrian 67, W Golf 8, Gymnastics 13, W Soccer 31, Softball 22, W Tennis 10, and Volleyball 13. That is 570 Student Athletes. If “PAY UP” has their way that is $570,000 min. a month to $1,140,000 a month or $13,680,000/yr. HAHAHAHAHAHHA RIGHT UGA can afford that. As someone posted UGAA is like #2 in money rasing and there is no way in HELL UGA can pay PLAYERS. TITLE IX leveled the field. Pay ONE you pay them ALL. Hell if you just paid them $2,000/ semester that is $3,420,000/ year.
AJC reader
September 30th, 2010
2:39 pm
Thank you Mr. Madley for this. The jackets are sure to go undefeated the rest of the year. You are too kind.
James
September 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Option Football is played out GT needs a coach that runs a Pro-Style offense.
the buck stops somewhere
September 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Tech has issues. No doubt about it. I would be concerned with Tech’s B-Back numbers if Tech were a traditional running team. But since Tech distributes the running among a number of people, the numbers are still there. In fact thru 4 games the offense is rushing for 60 more yards a game compared t0 2009. Obviously they miss Bey-Bey and the receivers have not stepped up to fill that void. But we are talking the difference between 125 yards per game and 80. In 2009 thru 4 games there were 3 passing touchdowns…in 2010 thru 4 games…3 passing touchdowns. Thru 4 games Tech is averaging 31 points a game in 2010…27 a game in 2009. There are things that aren’t working right. But the offense is getting enough done to win games.
The difference is the defense which is giving up an extra touchdown a game this year.
It is still only 4 games into the season. There is still lot of games to be played. The offense needs to work better together and eat more clock but the bigger issue is the defense. If it continues to perform like it has to date, it could get ugly.
Shankit
September 30th, 2010
2:47 pm
Mr. Hennessey, how many Land Rovers and
Jaguars have you sold to these bloggers on
your site?
Burdell
September 30th, 2010
2:48 pm
This Tech fan ain’t cryin’…things get back on track this weekend in Winston-Salem. CPJ has earned my trust.
All the people making a fuss about Tech recruiting under Johnson are either misinformed or they have an agenda…I have a feeling the latter is more prevalent.
GO JACKETS!!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 30th, 2010
2:48 pm
dap01 so you like the MARK RICHT all may players are great and high character men speech he always gives?
You did read where Bobo threw Murry under the bus the other week right?
UGA gets ALL the Great TAlent and rival 4-5 star recruits. PJ doesn’t get the TALENT UGA gets and that is OK for him to say. PJ get the TALENT he has to play better than Richt gets his Talent to play. PJ didn’t throw any player under the buss he said the players with less talent need to play harder, faster, and smarter to win games. That is not putting down his players.
Vulture
September 30th, 2010
2:50 pm
Old Dawg Fan
Yeah, you would know about a coach dragging a team down.
Vulture
September 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
Burdell
I agree. The man is just getting going.
GTJeff
September 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
Ah yes, being accused of being “a UGA Fan”. Well, Delbert just so you know, I am a Tech Alum. Class of 2000 BSME. You are probably a Tech wanna be who wouldn’t have lasted one quarter or semester there. Envy sux doesn’t it?
I love Tech but unlike you d-bags, I refuse to swing on the nuts of CPJ and ESPECIALLY not Groh. The problem this year is more coaching than with players which is sad to say because there are not many decent ones on this team. Blaming the players when the d looks lost shows piss poor coaching IMHO.Hopefully in 2012 we get better, just hoping.
BFD
September 30th, 2010
2:53 pm
Calm down people, don’t lose the faith. Let’s not act like our friends from Athens. Paul Johnson has won eveywhere he has ever been and will figure it out. Lot of football left to play.
Kirk Blackmon
September 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
Sign above highway at Varsity : I -75 – Ga tech 0
GT LOSERS
September 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
GT fans, back to the old days 7-5 or 6-6 at best!!! Going to the toilet bowl again!!! 30-24hahaha!!
Systemic
September 30th, 2010
3:04 pm
Re 1: Dwyer had 326 and 389 yards through four games in 2008 and 2009, respectively. AA’s production is off his pace some but we must remember Dwyer’s numbers include big games against that SEC doormat Miss. State…oh wait guess the’re only a stat stuffer for certain teams. Anyhow, I think the whole Tech offense get’s well this Sat against the Deacs and all the backs will rush for pretty big numbers.
wes
September 30th, 2010
3:05 pm
Mark is counting out Paul Johnson waaaaay too early.
the voice of reason
September 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
PJ is our guy but EVERYBODY needs to look in the mirror. More focus more urgency and better playcalling. Cm’on coach you can’t tell me that a card with situations and “must use” plays wouldn’t help our cause, Don’t trust your memory,we can’t afford it. “play action pass on 1st down” “quick pass to the wideout”(that Thomas KILLED em on last year) “don’t go a quarter and a half without taking the option to the corner” You know exactly what should be on there. Give Joshua a better chance to lead us. Go Jackets
Dawg man
September 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
If Tech had a quarterback who could pass they might be better. Any team is going to let Nesbit pass because they know there’s a 90 per cent chance the ball won’t be close to the receiver. At best the jackets will go 7-5 maybe worse. The Dawgs will eat Nesbit alive then sit back and laugh at him when he decides to throw the ball.
Cracker Jacket
September 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
Thanks Mark. That just about all but ensures that Tech will win out. And also thanks for putting the kiss of continued death on the mutts season.
DawginLex
September 30th, 2010
3:11 pm
You have to admit that the prospect of Tech ending up in shreveport makes for quite a funny irony………………..
GT GRAD
September 30th, 2010
3:12 pm
Mark Bradley posted two blogs.
One saying 5 reasons UGA is not as bad as you think.
One saying GT is worse than you think.
One more obvious bias by the AJC staff (attempting to help UGA and hurt GT).
Reasons why GT is on the rise with a bright future & UGA is in serious decline:
GT is not on the verge of a coaching change……..Paul Johnson will be at GT for a LONG time! Al Groh will prove he is a capable D-Coordinator in due time (he will be given the time needed to install & teach his 3-4 system). Recruits will stay at GT and more will commit in the near future.
UGA is on the verge of SERIOUS coaching changes………Richt MIGHT survive one more year IF he makes coaching changes after this season to buy himself one more season (Maybe, but only if UGA finds a way to win 6 or 7 games this season). Recruits are considering leaving UGA for better (more secure) opportunities and very few if any additional top notch recruits will sign with UGA in the near future.
Ergophobia
September 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
Old Dawg Fan – “Tech will have a lot less talent soon and you guys better start thinking about who your next coach is going to be.”
Well, according to Dawg fans like you UGA has way more talent that Tech but you apparently do way less with that talent than just about any team. Meaning that you should worry about your own program since there are a lot more pup fans talking about replacing their coach than Tech fans. Yeah, that’s reality… something that you wish to avoid apparently.
SatchelBuzz
September 30th, 2010
3:17 pm
GT Jeff,….could care less that you graduated from Tech. We don’t need you at BDS@HGF with that attitude. Good lord man,…..how can you be critical of CPJ after he has delivered us from the depths of what chan gailey did to our program. Either you were in a marching band at some point in the past or you’re just misguided,….but you need to stop giving the nadlickers any ammunition to use against.
Don’t guess I’ll see in in Winston-Salem on Saturday,…..didn’t think so.
In CPJ I trust and THWG!!!
PTC DAWG
September 30th, 2010
3:17 pm
I find it hard to believe someone would complain about Coaches getting protection from STATE TROOPERS. With all the nutty things I read on these blogs, I think they need/deserve it.
The Bees Nees
September 30th, 2010
3:18 pm
Mark, sadly I think you key in on some very important issues at Tech. However, the defense will improve and that North Carolina team that we beat out should have won against the undefeated LSU tigers. Have faith people we are going to take some lumps until this defense catches up. Our offense is still putting points on the board.
Website
September 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
Josh Nesbitt for Heisman!!! 32.6% completion percentage…CPJ must be so proud!!!
Giggly
September 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
I am so happy to be 0-3 in SEC play! We dropped those nasty out of conference games. I am just so GIGGLY. Maybe i should just go hump a leg. What do you think?
RamblinWreck2011
September 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
MB-CPJ said that the B-Backs as a unit would have over 1,000 yards. Not that the new starter would have a 1,000 yards. Also, if you have watched Tech play over the past 2 years you would know that because of the variety of backs and how the defense decides to play the option a player could have 20 yards one game and then very easily have 160 the next. Its a situational thing, not a per game average of yards. Speaking of the defense, its the players, not the scheme or the coach, Groh and Wommack are not the ones that can’t get off blocks and pressure the Quarterback. Also, is it true that opposing defenses have figured out the I-Formation run by UGA? Lol. People always think the option is figured out whenever the offense has a down week, but why not the I-Formation??
5150 P.O.A.D
September 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
DAWGinLACE Tech in Shereveport is almost as funny as UGA playing Thursday Night JV games on ESPN. You know like all you UGA fans say about Tech playing on Thursday Nights. UGA is now on ESPNs contract and will play Thursday Night games. How many UGA fans will have to leave work at 3 pm to make it to the game in time to get good and drunk? How many DUIs will UGA fans get after leaving the games? How many UGA fans will be worthless at work(more than usual) on Fridays after these games?
Loyal Jacket
September 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
First of all, UGA fans, yall are ridiculous. you all act like you dont care about tech at all, yet it seems that many of you have nothing better to do than read Tech blogs and spew nonsense.
Having said that, there is some truth behing mark’s points. I do believe that the Tech program is still moving upward overall but there are some issues that need to be fixed, such as…
Nesbitt is great and should be the starter, but in the future this offense needs someone who can throw better than him. Im not asking for a great QB but its got to be better
Defense is getting better and must continue to do so
with other top programs in the ACC strugling, Tech needs to salvage this season and take this chance to solidify themselves as one of the perenial top teams in the conference.
CPJ and Tech will be alright despite the less than inspirational start. 7-8 wins may seem like a let down, but I believe it will just be a speed bump before more better seasons
The Grinch
September 30th, 2010
3:27 pm
Here’s another five reasons why things are going down:
1. Grant field
2. No more free hot dogs and coke with the purchase of a ticket
3. The budweiser song and bopping up and down has been “figured out”.
4. The discomfort one feels when continually singing “helluva engineer” when hardly any of tech’s athletes are actually engineering majors.
5. The A She She is pathetic this year
BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!