What’s wrong with Tech? Bay-Bay went away (boo hoo)
This Yellow Jacket pass was dropped Saturday in Pickens County, S.C. (AP photo)
I’ve actually had requests to write more about Georgia Tech. This is noteworthy because I usually only get asked to stop writing about something. But enough about me.
Georgia Tech, I’m afraid to say, is what I thought it was when last I mentioned the Jackets. It’s bad on defense and limited on offense. To say the Tech D has gotten worse under Al Groh would be statistically incorrect: The Jackets were 54th nationally among FBS teams in total defense last season; they’re 53rd now. What’s hurting Tech, believe it or not, is that Paul Johnson’s stylized offense isn’t holding up its end.
The Jackets are second in the nation in rushing offense, same as a year ago. The difference is that Tech ranks 48th nationally in total offense, down from 26th last season. What has gone wrong? There’s no Bay-Bay.
Demaryius Thomas, known as Bay-Bay, averaged 82.43 receiving yards per game last season — pretty darn good for a wideout on a team that ranked only 116th in passing yardage. With Thomas now gainfully employed in the NFL, Tech averages only 84.75 yards passing as a team.
A year ago, Bay-Bay made Joshua Nesbitt look like a competent passer: Tech actually finished 12th nationally in passing efficiency. (Didn’t know that, did you?) This year Tech ranks 106th in passing efficiency, and Nesbitt’s personal rating has dropped from 148.69 to 110.51. His completion percentage was 46.3 last season; it’s 38.2 now. His yards-per-attempt average was 1o.5 last season; it’s 6.61 now.
Put another way, whenever Nesbitt threw the ball last season there was (almost) half a chance he’d complete it for a first down. This year there’s roughly one-third of a chance the ball will be caught for substantially less yardage. Yes, that’s some difference.
Part of Nesbitt’s problem is that he’s rarely asked to make an easy throw. He can’t just dump the ball over the middle to a tight end because Tech has no tight ends on the roster. And Stephen Hill, billed as the Next Bay-Bay? He has 12 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Thomas had 46 catches for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games last season.
This shows us, not for the first time, that Johnson’s stylized offense has its limitations: It cannot win at the highest level with a passing game this poor. And we can’t say that Tech has been set back by having to break in a new quarterback: This is Nesbitt’s third year as a starter in this system.
Bay-Bay made PJ’s offense look good because he made astonishing catches on demand. Bay-Bay was also signed by PJ’s predecessor, Chan Gailey, who ran a pro-style offense. Georgia Tech isn’t apt to sign a receiver so talented again anytime soon.
We went back and forth over the summer in trying to decide which of the four junior Jackets who left early for the pros was most indispensable, with defensive end Derrick Morgan being the early favorite. But now it’s clear: Thomas was the man Tech couldn’t lose. With him to bail out Nesbitt, the 2009 Jackets didn’t sustain their second loss until two days after Thanksgiving. With Bay-Bay as a Denver Bronco, the 2010 Jackets lost their third game eight days before Halloween.
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524 comments Add your comment
JB
October 26th, 2010
10:01 am
Tech…..I’ve heard your guys interviewed after a game…………really ? Do you guys offer a communications course ? You’ve got a roster full of ” not really college material players”.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:04 am
JB – I know right?
BobbyGodd
October 26th, 2010
10:05 am
And likely still have three more losses in front of us! But you are wrong in one area Mark…the defense is better than last year. Last year we were horrid but luckily had Morgan to bail us out on a few crucial game deciding plays. This year the offense has performed much worse overall and more specifically on converting third downs…thus the D has actually played more on the field than last years D. If the offense was better the D statistics would also be substantially better. Maybe even a top 25 D.
Lowcountry Bulldawgs
October 26th, 2010
10:06 am
I think Tech fans when reading this would be astonished at how similar the fan base sounds to UGA fans. A whole lot of whining going on in the posts and Tech fans LOVE to point that out on UGA blogs. It works both ways my friends. The few Tech fans with intelligent posts are feeling the wrath of the obnoxious few Tech fans who troll the UGA blogs.
dagnabit
October 26th, 2010
10:06 am
dawgfan: Now that the puppies have won a game or two, you’re back “messin” in your pants again.
Smyrna Jacket
October 26th, 2010
10:06 am
One thing Mark Bradley does not realize is that BeyBey was a 3-star coming out of high school.
jarvis
October 26th, 2010
10:07 am
Oh and MB….haha we kicked your arse.
Big Blue still stinks in football, and John Calipari is a slimeball. He should make all of you feel dirtier than the Harrick boys ever made us feel.
spider
October 26th, 2010
10:07 am
8-4? you all are dreaming, 6-6 at the very best and that’s only it tech doesnt choke against duke.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:07 am
Diablo69 – You’re completely right. I do think; however, given our line inexperience, loss of the studs already mentioned, new D playbook, and what we’ve seen so far this year….it’s very likely we will go 1-3 over the next four games. Some of the teams we have coming up are LOADED compared to us, and they look good this year, and we aren’t and don’t…so…anything can happen…root for your team…but don’t get too bent if we go 1-3.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:11 am
Lowcountry Bulldawgs – I know, it’s kinda a chicken or the egg thing. It will never stop, yet it’s like talking to a brick wall…pointless
ramblinman
October 26th, 2010
10:11 am
ga_tech_92 – Well said on everything!
Gold Helmets
October 26th, 2010
10:11 am
The receivers have been disappointing, the offensive line still is not where it should be, and we need to do much better on special teams. I think having a week off will be helpful.
WTF
October 26th, 2010
10:12 am
I don’t debate with morons.
I pay no attention to idiots.
I try to ‘go placidly amid the noise & haste & remember what peace there may be in silence’. (google that sentence and then read the whole thing)
Perhaps you dog fans should remember that the best thing about free speech is it makes the idiots easy to spot.
And you are so easy.
Besides, ga_tech-92 will talk for me.
Hayseed Dixie
October 26th, 2010
10:13 am
Nesbitt is nowhere near as bad a passer as his numbers show.
I have been to every home game, and the Clemson game- these kids aren’t catching them.
Nesbitt has thrown so many strikes that by even NFL standards would be considered catchable balls. And I’ve seen the kind of drops and fumbles that would get you cut from the roster.
Mark Bradley is 100% correct. We’re 2nd in the NCAA in rushing: the problem *ain’t* CPJ or his scheme.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:13 am
Gold – Right on…that reminds me…the ’special teams’ are the most frustrating!! The rare time we get a team to punt or settle for a FG, we do something STUPID and give them a new set of downs. Gah!
Ramblinwreck83
October 26th, 2010
10:13 am
dawgfan
Don’t forget that UGA had won the Fullmer Cup once again. They have good athletes that are thugs and criminals. How many have been arrested this year? 11 or so. There’s no difference between UGA and FLA except FLA had a few national championships to brag about. Don’t be suprised if the cocktail party doesn’t turn out to good for the UGA fans this weekend. Tech may lose to UGA most years but FLA owns UGA’s a**.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:17 am
WTF – you clearly have the right plan here…there is never a ‘winning’ blog response…I’m pretty much wasting time just for fun on a day off
Lowcountry Bulldawgs
October 26th, 2010
10:19 am
Ga_Tech_92,
I simply read the article along with posts to get a feel for the perspective of Tech fans and truly was surprised at the negativity.
WTF
October 26th, 2010
10:20 am
Me too.
wasting away and it isn’t even time for Margaritaville yet.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:23 am
check out Guitar George he knows all the chords
Could it be that I am...
October 26th, 2010
10:23 am
..FIRST…
Hmmmmm!
October 26th, 2010
10:23 am
The Atlanta Falcons wide receivers couldn’t catch a ball either until there was a change at quarterback……think about it…..just saying!
Now one of those same receivers just went for over 200 yards receiving.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:26 am
Lowcountry Bulldawgs – surprised really? We have average talent, but we want to win with the big boys (like anyone else would). We don’t like our record, we want to win more, but we are trying to keep it in perspective….though we would rather the reality be a little different. Also, when the dawgs stick a fork in the hive, we get a little aggitated. I don’t see what’s so surprising here? (With due respect..)
Lowcountry Bulldawgs
October 26th, 2010
10:31 am
Hey- no mention by me of the Dawgs sticking a fork in the hive as you said. Go read my post on TB blog about UGA and how it wins the East. It’s one game at a time for both schools. Neither are good enough to look ahead and most fans want to do that.
PMC
October 26th, 2010
10:32 am
I disagree that the offense has limitations. You yourself just illustrated that they don’t have the same level of talent this year as they did the last couple of years. Meaning… they are young, and teams go through ebbs and flows. This team isn’t as good as last years team. Stephen Hill has got to start stepping up and making plays.
Ron
October 26th, 2010
10:32 am
BS. It’s play calling and turnovers/miscues.
We didn’t have those issues like we are this year.
3rd and 7, we get within 11 and pj calls for a bomb to the end zone. That’s why we stink.
PMC
October 26th, 2010
10:33 am
You can pass out of those formations without an issue, I wonder if they block well enough passing and whether their guys spend enough time catching passes in practice.
Unbiased
October 26th, 2010
10:33 am
Mark, I believe that you made one point that is correct in that Tech’s passing game is terrible. The real reason for the lack of overall production is the lack of effective blocking, blown assignments (mainly offensively) and A-Allen at the B-back position. Tech doesn’t need a “passing threat” to shred opposing defenses, but they have to block above average on every play in order to this “stylized O to work”. They can’t miss blocking assignments period.
PMC
October 26th, 2010
10:34 am
Bottom line, They still have a chance to win the ACC. All they have to do is handle thier business.
dawgfan
October 26th, 2010
10:34 am
ga_tech_92, you didn’t really answer the question. The question is this: even assuming that Tech does have the handicaps in recruiting that you claim, what would you like us to do? Is Georgia supposed to spot you a touchdown when we play you? That’s not how it works my friend. Are we supposed to feel sorry for you? We hate you. Not happening. So what is it that you want? You can argue your case all day long and I simply don’t care. I don’t care that only 7% of your football players are exceptions. I don’t care if they have to take calculus. I just want to beat your azzes and watch Techies cry. So what are you trying to accomplish with all this academic talk if not to make people feel sorry for Tech football?
And I don’t think you’re in any position to spout off about what UGA’s prorities are you pompous pinhead. Why is everything an either/or proposition with you Techies? Has it ever occured to you nimrods that its possible to have great academics AND care about football? Why do UGA academics suffer because we want the football team to win? What in the hell kind of sense does that make? Do Notre Dame academics suffer because they want the football team to win? What about Michigan, USC, or even Ohio State? All are top notch universities who at the same time take pride in an elite football program. Please in all your infinite wisdom explain to me how these are mutually exclusive concepts. I simply don’t get it.
Tech fans are an embarassment to themselves and everyone who calls this state home.
treyingeorgia
October 26th, 2010
10:36 am
Told you your high school offense would only take you so far… you won with Chan’s recruits…. and your recruiting glorified 1AA players now… he is setting your program back years… 6′3 265lb offense lineman and defensive backs converted to an Aback or whatever you call the position… You are not going to attract solid D1 players with that offense- it just isn’t going to happen… You can’t ask a QB with aspirations of the next level to run it and then pass competently– let’s be honest here… the majority of kids aspire for the next level…
The truth hurts….sorry!!!
treyingeorgia
October 26th, 2010
10:38 am
I bet Stephen Hill regrets his decision not accept a scholarship and play in an offense that would showcase his skills for the next level…. wow imagine the $$$ he is loosing… the kid is good and might have a chance; but, with him it will come down to a week at the combine to build a portfolio cause he sure as hell isnt building one now at Tech…
RambleOn84
October 26th, 2010
10:39 am
For the record, the Master Recruiter Chan Gailey (don’t you just love revisionist history?) signed a THREE STAR wide receiver in D. Thomas and Johnson made him into the NFL 1st rounder he became.
Seems like Johnson has signed a few more receivers who are as highly regarded or more highly regarded since he’s been here…they may pan out, they may not.
Stephen Hill was considered a four star player; he has great athleticism, but he can’t catch a cold. Is this Johnson’s fault? Has Johnson’s offense finally been proven to be one where he teaches the receivers to NOT catch balls that them in the hands?
We don’t need Hill to be Bay-Bay…we would settle for Brian Finneran…you know, a guy who can CATCH THE BALL.
Hill has more drops than catches this season…but this must be the fault of Johnson’s offense, right?
RambleOn84
October 26th, 2010
10:41 am
treyingeorgia,
If y’all still want Stephen Hill, you can have him…the guy can’t catch. His performance this year has nothing to do with the offense not showcasing him enough.
He’s been thrown to more than any other receiver precisely because he has great talent. The guy just can’t catch a ball to save his life.
GTBob
October 26th, 2010
10:41 am
Wow, some Tech fan really ticked dawgfan off at some point. Thats an awful lot of pent up anger he’s got.
As for Tech, its not just the loss of Bay Bay, but thats part of it. I’m not sure if we still had Bay Bay that our record would be any better. Our defense doesn’t get a pass just because they were also bad last year. Our special teams are a joke. Our timing running the option has seemed off all season. Basically the whole team is playing bad. Hill is not Bay Bay but he is also not the reason we are losing.
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:42 am
dawgfan – “You can argue your case all day long and I simply don’t care.” OK, then you understand why I won’t try to explain again. I think I pretty clearly illustrated the pros and cons. I didn’t ask for your sympathy or understanding. You also said, “We hate you”. I thought in politically correct (vomit) America, we weren’t allowed to ‘hate’ anymore. Interesting.
GTBob
October 26th, 2010
10:43 am
treyingeorgia, have you actually seen Stephen Hill play?
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:45 am
treyingeorgia – We’ve had receivers taken VERY high in the draft both during and after the Gailey years, so clearly a WR can get drafted high coming out of GT. Both WR are having excellent carriers and represent themselves well. What’s not to like? Go Jackets!
RambleOn84
October 26th, 2010
10:46 am
The good news on Hill is he is only a sophomore. I imagine all the drops are just nerves…if he gains some confidence, he can still be a very good player.
He has skills a lot of guys would kill to have…he just needs to focus on the basics.
RambleOn84
October 26th, 2010
10:47 am
As a side note, I am glad Tech lost so that Mark Bradley could write another article on us.
It just wouldn’t do to have something positive to say about us, now would it?
ga_tech_92
October 26th, 2010
10:51 am
RambleOn84 – excellent point about Hill
michael
October 26th, 2010
10:52 am
why can’t hill catch?
Andy
October 26th, 2010
10:53 am
Good point about Tech not being able to sign a big time receiving prospect again. This is what Tech needs and what four or five star receivers would go to Tech with their high school offense? Last year was an aberration. They will never be that good again.
3-4
October 26th, 2010
10:54 am
Mark Bradley’s job is to report the facts while trying to rake in viewers, impressions, and participation. Writing articles like this does the job. Just look how long it took you to scroll to the bottom of this blog. I’m sure he doesn’t have a personal grudge against GT, but he sure does know how to ruffle some feathers. If he can get 3 or 4 pages of responses, then he’s done his job. Its just that simple. Don’t hate the player…hate the game.
Al Groh - LOL!
October 26th, 2010
11:00 am
Ordered is restored, GT boys were absolutely beat-down by men last Saturday. Al Groh and CPJ were playing chess while Clemson was playing football. Score and stats do not reflect the domination in that game.
Tebow Promise?
October 26th, 2010
11:04 am
Just read the comment about the “Tebow-like” promise from Nesbitt. Is this anything like the Reggie Ball promise not to lose another game in 2003? After that one, Clemson thrashed Tech 39-3! Good luck against the Hokies, try to beat 0.1 yds/carry average Josh!
NoShamSam
October 26th, 2010
11:05 am
Mark, you hit the nail on the head on this one. I came to the same conclusion 2 games ago. I don’t care how good your rushing offense is, if you can COUNT on a few completed passes per drive, then the defense will smother the offense, using the majority of their players to stop the run, backed up with one on one pass coverage.
Rally Tech
October 26th, 2010
11:05 am
If you are a Tech fan, why don’t you get behind this team instead of talking bad about them? Yea we are average. Yea we could prob go 6-6. But how does it help the players when you talk how bad they are? Grow up man. The best we can do as fans is to support this team no matter what. Leave the rest to Coach Johnson. Incredible coach. Don’t count out Tech yet.
NoShamSam
October 26th, 2010
11:07 am
Correction:
Mark, you hit the nail on the head on this one. I came to the same conclusion 2 games ago. I don’t care how good your rushing offense is, if you can’t COUNT on a few completed passes per drive, then the defense will smother the offense, using the majority of their players to stop the run, backed up with one on one pass coverage
NoShamSam
October 26th, 2010
11:10 am
Rally Tech…He’s not being down on the team…he’s just being realistic. I am a big Tech fan and I know what I see…this team is just not as good as last year because of the lack of a passing game…We all hope they will improve…but the truth is the truth.