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
db
October 26th, 2010
12:10 pm
I agree with most of the article. Nesbitt may miss the wide open receiver but he may nail one in the endzone and it’s a dropped pass.
As far as the whiney mutts on this site all I’ve got to say is you think you’re on a roll, beating three conference dregs , but here come Florida and it’s Over Rover. Take that to the fire hydrant!
Reality
October 26th, 2010
12:10 pm
@sec fan – I disagree. Any high school reciever should jump at the chance to play at GA Tech. There is proof that they can succeed in college and also turn pro. What more can they ask for?
I also disagree that “Tech is not a passing team.” Tech passes. Just look at the last few games. There is plenty of opportunities for a good reciever to shine.
And, don’t forget, the great education that GA Tech offers…..
Who is the disgrace
October 26th, 2010
12:10 pm
UGA fans, STFU. Saying Paul Johnson is a disgrace? I would much rather have a season that falls under expectations than a season with 11…. 11!! arrests on the team, not even including the athletic director.
Oh wait, you are having both this season? My bad.
Eric
October 26th, 2010
12:11 pm
RambleOn84- I’m 21. And I go to UGA. And I’d like to read about Georgia on AJC without having to read the illiterate and beyond incomprehensible garbage and excuses that come out of the mouths of Tech fans. I read 4ish months ago that Tech had a campaign to promote Josh Nesbitt for Heisman. JOSH NESBITT FOR HEISMAN?!?!?!?! Do any of you know the capacity and integrity that come with winning the Heisman Trophy? Obviously not. But thank god, that ridicule has stopped and we all know that this won’t happen. GA Tech plays in the ACC. As many people have already said on here… It’s a basketball conference. And Tech hasn’t been too good at that lately.
So keep blogging about how UGA sucks (and I will be the first to admit that this has been beyond a disappointing year), but I do know for a fact that UGA will beat Tech again, as we typically do. RambleOn84 and friends… you’re like my 7 year old little sister, who still whines when she loses and acts like a sore loser. Prick.
30-24
October 26th, 2010
12:12 pm
I miss Demaryius Thomas and his dropped passes when the game is on the line
Chris S
October 26th, 2010
12:12 pm
As a UGA fan, I just hope Paul Johnson lucks into a really good WR on the recruiting trail this year. If he does, it just might be enough to help him achieve sufficient mediocrity to keep his job for the next four or five years, which can only be a good thing for the Dawgs.
6 P.O.A.J.
October 26th, 2010
12:14 pm
It looks like ga tech will finish at 6 – 6. I would doubt they would accept any bowl invitation. THWGT!
30-24
October 26th, 2010
12:14 pm
Paul Johnson is a joke, just like his offense
The triple joke has been exposed and the gimmick is over
He’ll be selling manziers or strategy books with Hal Mumme soon
db
October 26th, 2010
12:14 pm
Eric… UGa fans ALWAYS result to name calling. I see you were trying to act all grown up and everything but then you turned into the whiney little baby we’ve always seen from uga fans. And be prepared to say “Yes Sir” when your speaking to your new boss with the gold tie. Go Jackets!
One Eyed Jack
October 26th, 2010
12:15 pm
It’d be good to improve: sloppy tackling, D-line play up the middle on runs, get some pressure on opposing QB, too many penalties all around but esp special teams, and yes, passing game, including accuracy of delievery and the sureness of the hands catching the ball. I just want to see one of our guys knock someone down in a mean way…Come’on, guys, tackle hard, OK?
db
October 26th, 2010
12:16 pm
30-24 — I am surprised you can count that high.
Demaryius Thomas
October 26th, 2010
12:17 pm
@30-24: Hey, cut a guy a break! I only dropped that pass because I got blinded by those hideous tech cheerleaders.
30-24
October 26th, 2010
12:17 pm
That’s a good one db
How clever
Look forward to seeing you at the Improv
Dacula Jacket
October 26th, 2010
12:19 pm
No surprise to see a bunch of Dawg fans piling on after a Tech loss. Come on guys, lay off. You’re hurting our feelings.
As for the team, we definitely lack the talent from last year, and it shows when we play against good competition. I agree with some of the earlier bloggers that we’re probably headed for 6-6. This is not to say that we can’t pull one out against either VT, Miami, or UGA, but it’s not likely given they way our D has played. But who knows?
Reality
October 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
I also wish CPJ recruits players that stay all 4 years. I am really tired of basketball and football players leaving early.
The sad part is that it is rare they turn pro and immediately make an impact. They usually have to mature in the pros. Why not mature in college? Sure, they make money in pros, but come on.
I wish the NFL and NBA would refuse to draft any player unless they complete their college eligibility. Imagine the college football game, then!
Mike
October 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
I have been saying this for two years, you cannot just put anyone in this offense and expect to win like Tech did for the last two years. You have to have as good if not better talent as on the other side of the ball. Why? Because the blue print on how to beat this offense has been around for decades, and even in the ACC, you will line up against defenses loaded with NFL talent.
This is problem for Tech…recruiting. As you pointed out, Mark, Thomas was recruited by Gailey for a pro-style offense. Even Nesbitt and Dwyer have been on record saying they would not have come to Tech to run the triple option. Say what you want about Gailey, the man could recruit, and Johnson is not recruiting nearly at the same level. Thomas is definitely the biggest impact loss, but as Gailey’s players leave, Tech is looking worse across the board.
30-24
October 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
I hear you Demaryius
When they do toe touches, it looks like a racoon is trying to escape
RambleOn84
October 26th, 2010
12:21 pm
Eric,
If you’d like to read about Georgia on the AJC, then I suggest you visit the articles written about UGA. You are currently on one written about Georgia Tech. This is why you are having the problem with reading about Tech.
Do they teach reading at UGA? You might wanna sign up for that class, or maybe just buy the notes in the bookstore. That is the UGA bookstore, not the Georgia Tech bookstore. Don’t get confused.
Reality
October 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
I do find it funny that ugag fans talk crap about us when their record is still worse than ours…..
30-24
October 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
The record is 60-39-5
db
October 26th, 2010
12:23 pm
Honestly thought uga does get better athletes as the academics are easier. But the fact of the matter is they do less with more whereas GT does more with less.
GTBob
October 26th, 2010
12:23 pm
Dacula Jacket, we have yet to actually play a good game this season. I think we will get it together for one. Hopefully against VT, I would love to beat them again. I predict a 7-5 finish.
db
October 26th, 2010
12:24 pm
The record:
4 NC’s
1 NC
Still feeling good about yourself?
GTBob
October 26th, 2010
12:27 pm
Mike, name one good recruiting year for Chan Gailey other then 2007. The man wasn’t a good recruiter. People need to quit saying this completely false myth. Thomas was actually a 3 star recruit, not even in the top 50 at his position. He got much better when he was in college.
db
October 26th, 2010
12:27 pm
Well men and uga fans, lunch is over and it’s back to work. Enjoy the day.
Ahnald
October 26th, 2010
12:33 pm
With the offense GT runs, they will always be somewhere between 7-5 and 9-3 and that is it…their defense is decent, but the offense is very predictable, also their drives eat up huge amounts of the clock, turnovers kill them, they are not prograamed as a quick strike team, get ahead of them early, like Clemson, and boom, they are in trouble….scrap the offense,no brainer
T3
October 26th, 2010
12:34 pm
rj:
Dont think you know what you’re talking about.
The current coaching staff is the strongest & deepest
coaching roster GT has had in 20 years.
Coach Small Johnson
October 26th, 2010
12:34 pm
I’m quitting and heading back to Statesboro. I miss Gaybo Shaw soooooo much!
Ramblinwreck83
October 26th, 2010
12:34 pm
Eric
So keep blogging about how UGA sucks (and I will be the first to admit that this has been beyond a disappointing year), but I do know for a fact that UGA will beat Tech again, as we typically do. RambleOn84 and friends… you’re like my 7 year old little sister, who still whines when she loses and acts like a sore loser. Prick.
That’s laughable that you can guarantee a victory for UGA over Tech when you have nothing to do with the football team. You don’t play for them or coach them. You just hope the do win so you won’t hear what you heard in ‘08 when UGA fans guaranteed a victory in Athens. How’d that work out? I guess you’ve spending too much time with your 7 year old sister since you’ve gotten pretty good with the name calling. By the way, when was the last time UGA had a tru Heisman canidate? Hell, Joe Hamilton finished second his senior year. That’s more than UGA can say. And don’t rip on the ACC when UGA is part of the SEC LEAST this year. You know the SEC LEAST Champ could be 4-4 at the end of the season. Now that’s sad. Doesn’t sound like a dominate conferance or check that division that you praising.
We (UF) Own UGA
October 26th, 2010
12:35 pm
Bark Madley,
When are you going to learn? I know UGA is the greatest football team on the planet for beating 1AA Vandy and UT. Not to mention my Gators who aren’t very good right now blasted UK 48-14.
UGA will lose again on Saturday to UF (like always), and lose to Auburn by 30+ and head into the Tech game 5-6.
Bark Madley will again have his head up CMR’s back side and say “UGA is the best 5-6 team in America.”
Get a clue Bark. UGA is a joke! Quit writing about programs you don’t follow (anyone outside of UGA), and start writing about how UGA is the pre-season #1 team in 2011.
What a joke….
JB
October 26th, 2010
12:36 pm
Who wants to bet how many stories Schultz and Bradley do on GEORGIA Basketball this year vs.
Clevon Little’s team. Looks like Basketball at UGA is # 1 in the State now…….Well, we did win last year, so a good start for 2010……….
JB
October 26th, 2010
12:37 pm
Hey UF, look at the record over the history……Florida football did not start in the 80’s. Ya’ll were losers long before then………
FBBoy
October 26th, 2010
12:37 pm
I honestly believe GT’s offense is a gimmick offense. It will generate at least six wins because other teams don’t see if often and the ACC isn’t a strong conference. But it’s one-dimensional. Recruiting some types of linemen will be increasingly difficult, and there’s not much glory for the defense either. At least the way Al Groh sets it up. Bottom line? Average to slightly above average for Jackets for the forseeable future.
dawgy
October 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
RamblinWreck83 – glad you broght the heisman question up. When’s the last time tech actually had a player WIN the heisman. But i don’t want to take anything away from Retarded Joe, so congrats on the runner up finish.
And yes, I know that tech claimed a share of the MNC in 1990, which was more recent than 1980. Let me save you the effort of retorting with that tired adage.
John Heisman
October 26th, 2010
12:44 pm
i enjoyed my stints at Clemson and Auburn much more than my prison sentence at the joke by coke.
joey gt
October 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
gt will be fine ! all the bandwagon tech fans you can leave now we dont need yall!!1 coach pj will get it fixed this year i fully expect us to win 3of the next 4 if….. we execute our offense right, we have yet to execute our offense even half to what its capable of due to very poor blocking and dropping passes. coach pj earned our loyalty to him for what he has done the past 2 years, i can tell you one thing gt will be a constant 8-10 wins every year, something gailey could never do… go gt if we execute against vt we win in a shootout 38-35.
Ramblinwreck83
October 26th, 2010
12:51 pm
dawgy,
Only 1 MNC for UGA 30 years ago. Yes Tech hasn’t had the Heisman winner but i’m pretty sure outside of Walker, UGA has never had a guy even finish close to the top of the voting. Stafford-No, Moreno-No, Green-No. By the way, Tech was the only undefeated team in 1990, Colorado claims a share with Tech with their 1 loss and a bogus win on 5th down plus a bogus win against ND. Hell Tom Osborne (you do know who that is? right?) who was the coach of Nebraska said that he thought Tech was the best team that year being that Nebraska played both Tech and Colorado. The Coaches voted Tech #1, the “writers” voted Colorado. Now that’s a joke.
cattledawg
October 26th, 2010
12:54 pm
The sign of a well coached team is how they improve as the year goes on. Tech just isnt well coached right now.
dawgy
October 26th, 2010
12:58 pm
Frank Sinkwich won the Heisman in 1942 – Georgia also won the national title that year.
brush up on your history, bucko.
Dawg-gone
October 26th, 2010
1:01 pm
Ramblin – the joke is that tech CLAIMED the national title by way of their victory in the prestigious citrus bowl. Didn’t tech tie a 4-7 UNC team that year as well?
Colorado was ranked #1 going into the ORANGE bowl. They beat #3 Notre Dame.
Compare tech and colorado’s status, bowls, and bowl-opponents and then try to tell me with a straight face that tech was a more legit champ.
Bubba
October 26th, 2010
1:02 pm
Whats all tge fuss? Tech does this every year
Richt walks warily down the street, with the brim pulled way down low
October 26th, 2010
1:04 pm
Dawg-gone
Either way, GT has more national championships than UGA…..and wait for it….that will NEVER change
Richt walks warily down the street, with the brim pulled way down low
October 26th, 2010
1:05 pm
all these dawg fans will disappear when Urban beats Richt by 4 TD’s in the annual “UF owns UGA” bowl
….they will really disappear when Auburn does the same thing
Dawg-gone
October 26th, 2010
1:06 pm
FACT – tech has never won a consensus national title.
Richt walks warily down the street, with the brim pulled way down low
October 26th, 2010
1:08 pm
Dawg-gone
Just stop…you’re making yourself look like an idiot
dawgy
October 26th, 2010
1:09 pm
i swear tech people are all the same. They all try to live vicariously through another entity, whether it be a school, a trophy, whatever.
I went to Bobby Cox’s last game when the Giants beat the Braves. These guys in front of me wearing tech paraphanalia were taunting the Giants fans after the game saying how badly the Phillies were going to beat them (how’d that turn out?). Sound familiar to how they can’t beat Georgia so they like to boast of how badly other teams will beat Georgia?
Do you guys honestly not see how pathetic that makes you?
Dawg-gone
October 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
sorry, let me be more specific…
FACT: GAtech has never won a consensus national title in football.
I forgot all about tech’s women’s tennis title. Apologies.
NOBODYYOUKNOW
October 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
I like Tech, but my fellow fans get real. Its gonna be more lean seasons than great ones at Tech. Most great recruits want to play for a team thats in a strong conference. SEC, BIG TEN, and others. THE ACC just can’t match up at this time. I hope they will soon. I,m older than most on this blog I,m sure. The great old coaches, B. Dodd, Bear Bryant, Shug Jordan, Wally Butts and others went through lean seasons. And it was expected. But these knuckle head impatent fans these days won’t stand for it. Look at the Gators. Their fans are already calling for Urban Meyers head. Its all so stupid. The fans on some of these teams bandwagon must have brains shaped like footballs. “We should be conf. champs EVERY YEAR”. NO EXCUSES. They eat sleep, and dream football. I know most can’t understand it but I like UGA and GT. But I gotta admit I’d rather watch 2 teams in the SEC play than 2 in the ACC.
Richt walks warily down the street, with the brim pulled way down low
October 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
dawgy
No one cares about your contrived story about some phantom GT fans at a Braves playoff game taunting the Giants….seriously you can make us a better lie than that
How pathetic does it make you to be on a GT blog? GT doesn’t play you for a month.
Again, worry about the annual “UF is UGA’s Daddy” bowl which is THIS WEEK
Ramblinwreck83
October 26th, 2010
1:13 pm
Dawg-gone
Tech did tie UNC that year. But Colorado lost to illinois and also had a tie with Tennessee that year. So, if a team is undefeated and the team sharing the MNC has 1 loss then the undefeated team should have the title. Everyone know that Colorado should not have won it that year. Just ask Missouri. By the way, I am telling with a straight face that Colorado is not the Champ in 1990. Tech would have beat Colorado if they would of played each other. Tech even beat the #1 UVA team that year on the road. Colorado didn’t even do that.