3 points regarding Georgia Tech, the first concerning Vad Lee
Vad Lee on Saturday's 79-yard non-scoring excursion. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
1. Vad Lee might just be the top-end talent Georgia Tech otherwise lacks. Granted, it was one game against Presbyterian, but still: In the the third quarter alone, the redshirt freshman Lee authored the sixth-longest pass completion in Tech annals (82 yards to Jeff Greene) and the longest non-scoring run (79 yards) in school history. Lee isn’t apt to become the starting quarterback anytime soon — he’s still too raw — but he at least gives Paul Johnson a change-of-pace option.
2. For one night, the big plays were back. Tech’s longest gain from scrimmage at Virginia Tech was 22 yards. It had eight plays of 39 yards or longer Saturday night, four in the blowout third quarter. Again, this was against Presbyterian. But not since the record-setting Kansas game (66 points, 768 yards) of last September had the Jackets’ offense displayed such a separation gear (59 points, 712 yards). Johnson’s spread option is a different animal when the yards come in chunks.
3. The Jackets responded to the Virginia Tech loss in a mostly positive way. True, they fumbled four times (losing three), but you can’t have it all. Everything else was impressive enough to send this team into a key fortnight — home games against Coastal division brethren Virginia and Miami, both of whom beat Tech last season — feeling better about themselves. If the Jackets are to hang close enough to have a chance to catch Virginia Tech, they have to win these next two.
By Mark Bradley
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210 comments Add your comment
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:16 pm
@ option smoption…….nobody is forcing you to read what is posted here. If you don’t like it, then go elsewhere
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
7:21 pm
Filters are hiccuping again
I try and make a nic comment about a UGA player and it gets blocked!
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
7:22 pm
Let’s try again. Jarvis Jones is one BAD dude, what a fantastic game he has last night!
1 4 GT
September 9th, 2012
7:23 pm
Why he’s a mighty dwag & his word is law….remember the dwags ruin this state!!
1 4 GT
September 9th, 2012
7:24 pm
OOPs! My fat fingers had a brain poot & hit the u & i keys together, I reckon! Sorry! NOT!!
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
7:27 pm
Ole Jacket. The thing about CPJs offense is that it’s effective because nobody in college has seen it since high school and they don’t prepare for it every week. Give just about ANY fcs school more than a week to prepare for it and it becomes ineffective. . What’s techs record against teams with a bye week the week before they play tech? The proof is in the past. Keep drinking the cool aide, old man. We love Paul Johnson almost as much as we loved Reggie Ball!
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
7:30 pm
@ supersize that order…….nobody is forcing you to read what is posted here. If you don’t like it, then go elsewhere
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:32 pm
@ option smoption, that’s a myth about teams having a week off “figuring out the offense.” Plus in the first two games, on a percentage basis, the number of plays run out of the triple option was less that that run out of the shotgun and the pistol, both “standard” college offensive systems.
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
7:33 pm
smoption okay, whatever you say, you have your thoughts and Tech fans have theirs. But let me ask you a question. When CPJ was running it ag GA Southern how come it was so effective? He played the same teams year in and year out and all that familiarity did nothing to help GA Southern’s opponents to stop it. Your thoughts?
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:34 pm
The only school actually to totally contain Tech’s offense no matter how much time they had to prepare was Iowa. The other losses over the past 5 years were due to LOUSY Tech defense, not a figured out or stopped offense
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
7:34 pm
and, of course, there is that little matter that most every offense being run right now has elements of the spread option to it but why muddy the waters?
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:35 pm
But by all means, don’t let facts get in your way. You’re in good company with all the other trolls who make ignorant baseless comments.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:37 pm
The triple option is only one of several plays in Tech’s offense…..there is also the plain old “vanilla” option, the shotgun, the pistol, the spread option. But again, don’t let these facts get in your way.
1 4 GT
September 9th, 2012
7:42 pm
GT actually runs the true triple option less than 1/3 of the time. Bunch of loser snooty rooty tooty know nothing mutt trolls….they ruin this state!!
fan
September 9th, 2012
7:42 pm
shame on that yellow bunch for running the score up, that just shows their character!
#3 Bumble-Bee
September 9th, 2012
7:47 pm
Instead of worrying about the mangy mutts, we should concentrate on Virginia. One game at a time people. If we waste time on the dogs, it’s just wasted. Wait until we play them. They are meaningless right now. Save your hate for the Cavs, we must beat them to become relevant. One game at a time. Every game from here on out is important. UGA means nothing.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
7:50 pm
@ #3……you are, of course, absolutely correct. Hopefully, now that Vad has some on-the-field experience, Johnson will figure out a way to use his talents throughout all the games (and not in PREDICTABLE situations). Maybe by year’s end he will be ready to start, if he hasn’t done so already by that time. Beat the Cav’s !!!!!
Mike S.
September 9th, 2012
7:56 pm
This is not a game you can point to for anything. It’s no coincidence you point to the Kansas as the last time the big plays hit with regularity. Kansas and Presbyterian dont field defenses that have any hope of stopping the option. Until it returns with regularity against the teams Tech needs to beat to avoid 7 win seaons + a minor bowl (ACC foes, UGA, major non-conference opponents), what happens in paycheck games doesnt matter.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
8:00 pm
Mike S., it wasn’t just the option they couldn’t stop. As was said earlier, the option was only a minor part of the overall offensive game plan last night. Presbyterian couldn’t stop any of it. But that kind of game does one thing for you: it gives second and third string players to see how they can perform in a real game environment. There’s a big difference between that and day-to-day intra-squad scrimmages.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
8:02 pm
Mike, it wasn’t just the option they couldn’t stop. They couldn’t stop Tech no matter how we lined up.
Paul in NH
September 9th, 2012
8:02 pm
Kansas was the last time that GT hit big plays?
That has got to be a surprise to Clemson.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
8:02 pm
The ONE thing you can point to in a game like this is the opportunity to see 2nd and 3rd stringers in a real game situation, instead of day-to-day practice sessions.
#3 Bumble-Bee
September 9th, 2012
8:03 pm
Supersize
To make this season one to remember, we must play one game at a time. CPJ and the true-fans can’t afford to look ahead. He has to, its his job. That’s what we pay him for, but we get ahead of ourselves. I hope everyone is laser-focused on The University of Virginia. We can win the rest of our games this way. The season is here. One game at a time. We got that first loss out of the way and we should have won it. Now let’s get serious and win the rest.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
8:05 pm
@ #3…..EXACTLY !!!!
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:12 pm
It’s time for the team to show a maturity level and perform as they’re capable of doing. Focus on each game, each week and go out play like you’re capable of. It would be a surprise to me if that is not the message being put forth by the coaches each and every day!
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
8:14 pm
Your right, Ga Southern was good with Paul Johnson. The reason why is simple. Erk Russel built a dynasty at Ga Southern that Paul Johnson walked into. They had already won four national championships in fbs before he took over as coach. They were stacked with talent. And just like five star kids having a short list of schools today (usc, alabama, florida, texas, lsu), it was the same then with kids with 1-AA scollys. Their short list was Ga Southern, Appalachian State, Furman, Montana, and Youngstown State. In other words, CPJ had the best talent in the fbs and all he had to do was run the offense that Erk Russel taught him and not screw it up. That is why he was effective at Ga Southern. .
George Stein
September 9th, 2012
8:16 pm
How ’bout Stephen Hill? Not too bad for a guy from a high school offense.
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:18 pm
Run the offense Erk taught him????????????????? Where in the world did you come up with that? Erk brought CPJ in as his O.C. because of CPJ’s offensive skills. Talk about revisionist history! Oh and BTW had Erk made to move to UGA when it was offered to him CPJ would have gone as his O.C.
Niow having put that to rest, please explain how those top 1-AA (at the time) tems who GA Southern played on a yearly basis had so little suscess stopping that offense?
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:21 pm
George, had to me a mirage. Everybody knows WRs from GT can’t play at the next level
neil marlowe
September 9th, 2012
8:22 pm
congrats to whoever came up with the uniforms. chicken wire on the helmets! ! !
I know its supposed to be a beehive, but the uniforms look rediculous. And when did denim blue become tech’s primary color?!? gold was barely visible
on the uniforms.
I looked in on several games on TV this weekend, and its refreshing to see most teams sticking with their traditional uniforms. Not Tech!! No, we’ve got to
trick them up in the worst way. CHICKEN WIRE! ! ! ! !
(I know, its supposed to look like a hive, but whoever came up with the idea should be fired)
#3 Bumble-Bee
September 9th, 2012
8:22 pm
If Tech puts togeather a good run, there’s no reason why an early loss would stop us from a “chance” at a N.C. Don’t let other losers say it can’t happen, because it can. Just win the rest of them from here on out. Just don’t accept others saying we can’t do it. Ignore them.
George Stein
September 9th, 2012
8:24 pm
No doubt, OJF.
AZ GT Fan
September 9th, 2012
8:27 pm
Lee should start NOW
neil marlowe
September 9th, 2012
8:28 pm
are we going to change the fight song verse to “dress her in white and BLUE”??
I am really sick of tricked-up uniforms.
gold helmets, white jerseys, and gold pants – PLEASE! ! ! !
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:32 pm
Also Russell retired in 1989 and CPJ took over as head coach in 1997, hardly taking over from Erk with everything intact from a coach who retired 8 years before! Erk was an awesome defensive mind and a master motivator but he ALWAYS acknowledged CPJ’s hand in shaping the championships at GA Southern.
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
8:34 pm
Right, in your world I suppose you think Kirby Smart taught Nick Saban to coach, too. Look it up. He was brought to Ga Southern in 83 to coach the DEFENSIVE LINE. He was the defensive line coach for Erk for two years before being given the OC job. His ONLY previous coaching history was at the perennial powerhouse Lees-Mcrae college. A private college in NC where he had ONE YEAR of coaching the offense. Thats all. He wasn’t brought in because of his offensive skills. Check Wikipedia. It’s all there. Revisionist History? Like I said. Keep drinking the Kool Aide, old man.
jdatl
September 9th, 2012
8:38 pm
I’m so happy tech fans are happy with their coach!
George Stein
September 9th, 2012
8:41 pm
Wikipedia? That’s funny.
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:44 pm
Smoption and why do you think Erk handed him the reins of the offense? Could it have something to do with CPJ impressing Erk with his schemes and offensive plans? Of course not, someone like Erk would just promote someone without any clue to handle the offense of the dynastry in the making. Sure, that’s it, right. BTW I know CPJ’s history and his path to Tech so you don’t have to be such a smart a– about things. Oh and I also know how to use Wikipedia and all sort of internet thingies despite my age LOL!
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:46 pm
and the Saban/Smart comparison is totally without merits. Saban made his bones a d coach/coordination. Erk was always a defense guy and he knew that he needed a top notch offensive mind to set up and handle the offense for his teams. He states that publicly many, many times!
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:53 pm
Also 62-10 in his years as HC at GA Southern with 2 Natl Championships 8 years after Erk retired. I think his record stand on its own merits.
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
8:57 pm
1996 GA Southern went 4-7 under Coach Frank Ellwood, 1997 10-3 under CPJ, yep that team was stocked when he took over the program
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
8:57 pm
At least I got you to talk about football on the football blog again. Even if your comments and the facts don’t add up. I guess we’ll settle it on Nov. 24th. Too bad we don’t have an off week the week before. Guess who we play Nov 17th….Ga Southern. And it comes full circle. Good night old man.
choad
September 9th, 2012
9:03 pm
where did super size go? he must be at one of his favorite reach around parties with uoad . lmao.
Rick James
September 9th, 2012
9:06 pm
@Supersize that order, mutt
@ Rick James……yes, I had to take a swipe at UGA because a UGA TROLL SWIPED AT TECH FIRST. Duhhhh. Not that two wrongs make a right, but in this case you trolls deserve whatever crap you get.
——————————————————————————————————————————–
My you’re crabby for someone who’s team scored 50 last night.Swipe at me all you like,I know what’s coming to Tech in Athens the last week of November so until then I’m pulling for them..Best of luck against Virginia and the rest of the ACC.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
9:11 pm
@ choad……you can make all the snide childish remarks you want about me, but at least show the maturity and decency to lay off UOAD. His mother died early Saturday morning. Not that you would know anything about being nice to people in their hour of need or at any other time. You just showed what a total a-hole you really are.
Paul in NH
September 9th, 2012
9:12 pm
option smoption
September 9th, 2012
8:14 pm
Your right, Ga Southern was good with Paul Johnson. The reason why is simple. Erk Russel built a dynasty at Ga Southern that Paul Johnson walked into. They had already won four national championships in fbs before he took over as coach.
———
Looks like someone was in a coma from 1990 to 1998.
Rick James
September 9th, 2012
9:12 pm
@Supersize that order, mutt
@ Rick James……yes, I had to take a swipe at UGA because a UGA TROLL SWIPED AT TECH FIRST. Duhhhh. Not that two wrongs make a right, but in this case you trolls deserve whatever crap you get
—————————————————————————————————————————–
I agree..I dont understand why Georgia fans have a need to beat you up on your blogs when the team does it on the field every year.Best of luck against Virginia and the rest of the ACC.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 9th, 2012
9:12 pm
oh, and by the way, you should know personally what the term lmao mean, since you are definitely an a
Ol'JacketFan
September 9th, 2012
9:18 pm
You know Paul that wikipedia thingie is quite handy assuming one can read