Georgia’s options limited when it comes to stopping Tech’s offense
Georgia and Butkus Award finalist Jarvis Jones will be chasing bigger, faster players in trying to stop Georgia Tech's spread option than they were with Georgia Southern. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS – Georgia did a pretty good job of slowing down Georgia Southern’s spread-option attack this past Saturday. The Eagles managed 302 rushing yards and 19 first downs. But that turned out to be more annoying than agonizing as the Bulldogs cruised to a 45-14 victory.
Enter Georgia Tech, which runs essentially the same offense. But any notion that Georgia will be dealing with the same challenge is incorrect.
Yellow Jackets’ coach Paul Johnson is considered the modern-day guru of the spread option. And with the athletes Tech will bring to Sanford Stadium, for Georgia’s defenders it will be like going from minor league to major-league pitching.
“He knows it so well that he doesn’t even need a call sheet,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said of Johnson. “It’s in his brain and he’s seen just about everything under the sun as far as people trying to defend it. When he sees something, he knows where to go next, and that’s the beauty of the system that they have. They know what to do to counteract what a defense is trying to do to stop something or slow it down.”
There’s that, and then there’s this: While Georgia Southern’s offensive line was under-sized, Tech’s averages 6-foot-3 and 297 pounds. The Yellow Jackets feature a B-back in David Sims, who weighs 222 pounds, a bevy of A-backs who can fly and two quarterbacks who can run and pass.
In all, the Jackets count 11 different players who are averaging 5 yards per carry or better. They’re third in the nation in rushing at 324.9 yards per game and have run the football for more yards than any FBS team in the nation since 2008.
“They’re different,” Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “Formationally they’re different. Conceptually, as far as trying to get the ball on the edge with some of the options, they’re the same. But it’s like any defense or offense; you kind of take on the personality of the guy doing it. And Paul does a good job.”
Georgia has gotten better at facing Johnson’s option, though it has yet to shut it down. The Bulldogs gave up 409 yards rushing the first time they saw it in 2008 and lost 45-42. Since then, Georgia has allowed 205, 411 and 243 yards rushing, respectively, in the last three meetings and won by an average of 9.3 points.
“Anytime you do something, continuity is good,” Grantham said. “The more you see things the better you are at it. And I think the players understand it, too, from the standpoint we got to do it last week. But it’s going to be a challenge because, if you don’t execute, you’re going to give up explosive plays.”
Healthy pack of Dogs
Georgia has been somewhat unlucky in that it has lost three starters to season-ending injuries — receiver Marlon Brown, receiver Michael Bennett (knee) and linebacker Chase Vasser (shoulder) — and another for an extended period (defensive end Abry Jones, five games, ankle surgery). But the Bulldogs arrive at the 12th game of the season an otherwise healthy team.
Richt confirmed following Wednesday’s practice that the Bulldogs will go into the Tech game with roughly the same lineup they have the last two games with the addition of starting right guard Chris Burnette. Burnette missed the last two games with a shoulder injury.
“We’ve had no issues that I know of,” Richt said. “I just walked off the field with Ron and he didn’t mention anything to me, so that probably means nothing today.”
Thanksgiving logistics
Georgia practiced in full pads Wednesday will again Thursday morning before turning the Bulldogs loose to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. And when that happens, Richt said he doesn’t want the players thinking about football.
“What I want them to do is focus until about 10 a.m. (Thursday) morning,” Richt said. “Then I’ll tell them, ‘enjoy Thanksgiving. Think about everything you’re thankful for and enjoy the day.’ It’s healthy to take a break.”
Richt said the Bulldogs will conduct a rare Friday practice to make sure they get their minds back on business. “I want to get them moving around after all they might eat and get their brains locked into the game plan and such. We’ll do about a 50-minute practice that will allow us to hopefully get our minds back on our business.”
Georgia also altered its schedule because Saturday’s game is a noon kickoff. The Bulldogs practiced at noon Wednesday, went in the morning on Thursday and will go early again on Friday.
“We wanted to try to get them up about the time they’ll get up game day,” Richt said “We just want to get their bodies used to waking up in the morning and moving, concentrating and focusing on plays during the time the game will be played.”
Twenty-one seniors to be honored
Twenty-one UGA football players will be honored in the Bulldogs’ annual Senior Day ceremony at 11:46 a.m. Saturday. Kickoff for the regular-season finale against Tech is set for 12:01 p.m. (ESPN).
The seniors are: Taylor Bradberry, Winder; Marlon Brown, Memphis; Luis Capella, Augusta; Sanders Commings, Augusta; Scott Eichler, Oakwood; Reuben Faloughi, Martinez; Ty Frix, Calhoun; Michael Gilliard, Valdosta; John Jenkins, Meriden, Conn.; Abry Jones, Warner Robins; Tavarres King, Mount Airy; Jamie Lindley, Savannah; Ricky Lowe, Duluth; Bacarri Rambo, Donalsonville.; Ben Reynolds, Bainbridge; Christian Robinson, Norcross; Dustin Royston, Royston; Richard Samuel, Cartersville, Ga.; Branden Smith, Atlanta, Ga.; Cornelius Washington, Hephzibah, Ga.; Shawn Williams, Damascus, Ga.
Etc. . . .
Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is included among 29 nominees for the 2012 Broyles Award, which goes annually to the nation’s top assistant coach in college football. Under Bobo’s guidance, the Bulldogs have already set a school record for touchdowns in a season (55) and is on pace to break long-standing UGA marks for total offense and points per game for a season. Also among the nominees are Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco and Alabama special teams coach Bobby Williams. . . . Georgia junior Jarvis Jones was named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker. The other finalists are: Oregon’s Dion Jordan, LSU’s Kevin Minter, Alabama’s C.J. Mosley and Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o are the other finalists for the Butkus Award. The Butkus Foundation will announce the winner during the first week of December.
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129 comments Add your comment
ARdawg
November 22nd, 2012
10:30 am
The UGA offense has laid an egg a couple of times this year. See SC and KY. The chances of it happening Sat are slim and none. This is Hate were talking about here
bahits.com
November 22nd, 2012
10:40 am
I will miss Richard Samuel the most. I wish he had more playing time this year and more some carries from the fullback position.
Joey
November 22nd, 2012
10:46 am
Paul in NH, it came to my mind pretty quickly, down 17-3 to UF last season, UGA came back to win 24-20.
But you’re mostly right, that’s one of the few comebacks – we’ve allowed more than we’ve accomplished the last few seasons.
Tim-Buck-Two
November 22nd, 2012
11:32 am
UGA 48… Techerheads 10 (Triple floption, high school, offense unleashed!!)
GO DAWGS!!
GATA!
gt4ever
November 22nd, 2012
11:45 am
“He knows it so well that he doesn’t even need a call sheet,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said of Johnson.
Funny, Well it would be if it were not so sad… The truth is CPJ needs NO call sheet for the 5 or 6 plays he needs to remember… Pathetic. It will get ugly in Athens, Good luck against bama ….. You guys might break a sweat in this game….
WDE
November 22nd, 2012
12:33 pm
This will be close we have to control the pace of the game we will have to outscore Bug U they will get a lot of yardage we have to make sure its between the 20’s. If Murray is on I don’t see Bug U stopping our passing game…lets play hard,fast and smart from the opening snap and get the W..Go Dogs !
Paul in NH
November 22nd, 2012
1:50 pm
Joey
UGA did come from 14 pts back (2 TDs) against UF, but they have never come back from more than that under CMR
ERK
November 22nd, 2012
2:38 pm
Enter your comments here
dawgfan
November 22nd, 2012
3:14 pm
Paul in NH, you might want to go check the box score on the 2006 Chick Fil A bowl there big mouth. We were either down 21 or 24 at halftime to a top 10 ACC team and came back and won. You are simply wrong and need to stop making a fool of yourself. Your joke program couldn’t pull something like that off and it has nothing to do with Paul Johnson’s offense. It just doesn’t have the stones.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
November 22nd, 2012
4:24 pm
dWagfan…..calling somebody out? hahaha now that is funny…..dWagfan gets abused on the blogs by other UGa fans.
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
November 22nd, 2012
4:27 pm
dWagfan took all day to find that score.
Georgia 31
(9-4, 4-4 SEC)
Virginia Tech 24
(10-3, 6-2 ACC)
8:00 PM ET, December 30, 2006
Georgia Dome, ATLANTA, GA
1 2 3 4 T
UGA 3 0 10 18 final 31
VT 0 21 0 3 24
2005DawgAlum
November 22nd, 2012
5:43 pm
Paul in NH,
Wasn’t it the Chickfl a Bowl that VT had us down by 21???
CC
November 22nd, 2012
6:00 pm
GO DAWGS!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
November 22nd, 2012
7:28 pm
no worries here, dawgs take it!!
Mobile Dawg
November 22nd, 2012
10:30 pm
Outback bowl against Purdue and Drew Brees, down by 28 at the half….
AltamahaDawg
November 22nd, 2012
11:18 pm
Sugar Bowl 2005….just came up short.
No. 1 Braves Fan
November 23rd, 2012
4:50 am
It does not matter what UGA`s record for coming behind to win games happens to be.
On Sat. vs GT they will not have to come from behind. dawgfan needs to relax and stop calling others a fool.
Toccoa Dawg
November 23rd, 2012
7:36 am
I went to the black Friday sale and bought a new bug zapper…. bring it on bugs. Go Dawgs
straightshooter
November 23rd, 2012
7:48 am
Big difference between GSU and GT is size of OL and passing ability of QB. GSU’s QB is faster than any GT QB, the A-backs are the same speed and the FB are about the same size and speed. GT also has PJ, who calls a game on the fly, much like Spurrier over the years. GT OL is about 25 lb. heavier per man than was GSU. GT will get their points, but the jury is out on whether they can stop the Georgia offense.
Destin Dawg
November 23rd, 2012
7:51 am
time to spot the talk… and WALK the Walk… it’s all out there in front of us to take… next 3 games.. Go Dawgs !!!
Destin Dawg
November 23rd, 2012
7:52 am
stop the talk !!
RMikel58
November 23rd, 2012
7:58 am
Id say Tech needs to get all the scoring they need in the 1st, half and hope their defense can stop Georgias offense in the 2nd half.
This will not be a pretty game folks. I expect Tech to come out firing on all cylinders and getting big gains but i also think Tech will kill their own drives with penalties derived from wanting to win so bad in athens.
Tech isnt a bad team at 6-5 and in no way is this a given game. As long as Georgia stays poised and not let penalties effect them then we should win.
Its Georgias game to lose and i expect alittle trickery plays from Paul Johnson becuase he has nothing to lose but everything to gain.
Hes already heading to a ACC Championship, and even if he loses that game Tech will still go to a bowl game.
Hes not worried about being 6-7 heading to a bowl game.
Paul Johnson the Guru of the option run is on his way out no matter if he still beats Georgia. Those bragging rights would belong to Tech and its fans…..not Johnson.
Sad to see him go but coaching at Tech is losing proposition when dealing in football and not many coaches last there because its hard to qualify to get in there.
So as a UGA Fan i wish him well.
Im sure that Dawg football players arent as up as the Tech players are and i hope by game time they will be but the jitters on the Tech players and i expect before the half Tech will turn the ball over 2 times and get alot of penalties killing drives.
I do see that Tech could possibly outplay our Defense b4 the half and score as many as 17 points until the Dawgs adjust defensively after half time.
By the middle or late 3rd Quarter Techs Defense will be tired and weary, breathing heavily with their hands on their hips because of Georgias NO HUDDLE and that will pose a problem to Tech.
I think Georgia will be up by 8-10 pts and start to pull away becuase Techs exhaustion.
Now this is only predicated that Georgias running game is going good up to that point.
Either way i think our WR’s and TE will do well because our running game will start to open up the passing game.
Then by the 4th Quarter i feel that Georgia will be up by 17 pts and score another TD and lead by 24 and so Mark Richt will put in his 2-3rd string players to not rub in the score.
Good effort Tech but being out on the field and lining up against a no-huddle just wore you down.
BTW this game is in Athens not Grant Field so there will not be a friendly atmosphere for Tech players there.
Dawglasville
November 23rd, 2012
8:05 am
Tech has that hesitation in the option at times when the qb turns one way and then turns 180 and runs it down the line the other way. I hope with our size and speed that hesitation helps us. I think we will run a line of Geathers and Motel 6 in there at times. I also believe Johnson will take a deep shot down the field in the first 3 plays.
I don’t care what the spread is, I hate, hate, hate losing this game. Never feel that great about winning it. Just a calm knowing that all is right with the world when we win.
Gorilla Biscuit
November 23rd, 2012
8:27 am
The Techerheads will score a couple of touchdowns, but their defense is not any good and does not have deep depth. Georgia will throw over and run through Tech’s defense like Patton’s 3rd army ran through the Germans.
Georgia is going to GOrilla Stomp Tech and destroy that broken down, rusted out sh*t box, the Ramblin’ Wreck!
Go DAWGZ!!
T-time
November 23rd, 2012
8:42 am
Besides the obvious flaws with our defense, Tech has major problems with the kicking game. It may be close through the first half, but field position and our kicking problems will take it’s toll. GA should cover the spread unless they just blow it on penalties and turnovers. Hopefully, we will see better sportsmanship than we have seen in years past.
Tarryuga
November 23rd, 2012
9:06 am
NEXT?
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!
Dawg Serving Overseas
November 23rd, 2012
9:23 am
Gorilla Biscuit, you are a freaking hero…. I literally almost fell out of my chair about the ‘rusted out wreck’ bit you said! LOL. I’m predicting that Techsticles will try to keep the ball out of Murray & Co hands. I think they will fail at that mission. I think Techsticles defense will try to blitz and appear aggressive – again, they will fail and get kicked in the Teeth by a beast line and running game. I predict Murray having good, but conservative game and RB’s running in, through and around Techsticles slide ruler defense….. GA wins 35-14 and Russ is let off the chain to bite buzzy b*tch….
Woofy One
November 23rd, 2012
9:35 am
The proof will be on the field Saturday. Post game analysis will support a few opinions put forth on this blog. Please return for Crow eating contest.
Funny one
November 23rd, 2012
9:54 am
The article on AJC CMR biggest wins. All but one was from 2007 and before. The only other one was Tech in 2009. I think it goes to show where ga has been the last few years. An no big wins this year with an easy schedule. Maybe it time for some big wins. Maybe UGA is fixing to “knock the door in”. 3 wins and that should be a statement for all. However, 3 loses and back on the hot seat?
Dawglasville
November 23rd, 2012
10:29 am
Funny one: Lose all three and I would say that the hot seat is on fire. Not many big wins since 07, and would agree that the program has been down. That said, I would say that the UF win this year was a signature win. UF’s offense is not all that but they did beat USC, LSU, and A & M. No other team in the top 10 can boast that resume. If we beat Bama and Notre Dame, I’ll be satisfied that we didn’t back into anything.
WDE
November 23rd, 2012
10:41 am
Just beat the bugs,and we can discuss Bama next week…Go Dogs !
Joey
November 23rd, 2012
11:10 am
The future:
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=4785715
blob Horner
November 23rd, 2012
11:29 am
IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE RIVALRY, THIS MATCH HAD REGIONAL AND SOCIO RAMIFICATIONS, GEORGIA CARRYING A LOT OF THE SOUTHERN COUNTRY BOYS, TECH WITH MORE BOYS FROM SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN URBAN AREAS, CLASSIC CITY BOYS VS COUNTRY BOYS. THERE ARE SIMILAR REGIONAL DIFFERENCES TODAY. SOME OF THE ORIGINAL RIVALRIES REMAIN, BUT LARGELY SUPERIMPOSED ON TOP OF THAT IS THE UNSPOKEN EVOLUTION WHERE THE SOUTH GEOGIA BOY HAS BEEN LARGELY REPLACED BY THE SOUTHERN (SUBSAHARAN) AFRICAN PLAYER. TECH’S CITY BOYS HAVE BEEN AUGMENTED BY THE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN BLACK PLAYERS. I’M NOT DENEGRATING ANY OF THESE PLAYERS , THEY ARE TALENTED AND FEARLESS AND GREAT FUN TO WATCH MOST OF THE TIME. BUT AS IN THE PAST, THE TRUE CONTEST REMAINS THE SAME AS ALWAYS, WHICH IS THAT BETWEEN BRAINS(TECH) AND BRAWN(UGA). THE PROBLEM IS, THE TEAM THAT’S 20% STRONGER THAN THE OTHER TEAM USUALLY OVERCOMES THE TEAM THAT’S 30% SMARTER.
Buckeye
November 23rd, 2012
11:56 am
Late morning dogs,
Can’t wait to compare TV ratings and national interest with the noon games tomorrow.
Buckeye
November 23rd, 2012
11:57 am
dogs,
Any tom brown sitings?
WDE
November 23rd, 2012
12:07 pm
You know I was hoping the NCAA was going to prohibit teams on probation from being able to play on TV. Seems like the right thing to do why let the cheaters showcase their “brand”?
GTford
November 23rd, 2012
12:18 pm
I’m a little amused at the confidence of all the puppy fans and quite disappointed in the pessimistic Tech fans. After Florida (and it took 6 turnovers to win that one), the next best win UGA has is against a 7-4 Vandy team. Oh my, that is terrifying. You beat the teams on your schedule that you were supposed to beat, and squeaked by against Florida, that is all. Have we also forgot that you barely beat a 2-9 Kentucky team that looks much like a pee-wee team this year? You have not proved anything yet. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Tech has done anything to get me excited, but we definitely have a chance tomorrow. And Alabama? Get real, Saban will embarrass Richt, he just doesn’t win big games. He recruits big, dumb players, allows them to run the team, and wins the games he is expected to win (most of the time), nothing more.
GTford
November 23rd, 2012
12:19 pm
And before you bring up MTSU, I would pick them head to head over 7 or 8 of the teams on your schedule this year puppies.
Joey
November 23rd, 2012
12:26 pm
Buckeye don’t you think there are a few more folks in Ohio and Michigan (combined) than in Georgia?
They proved it a cople of weeks ago . . .
J clowney
November 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm
I did not know that little aaron was the best qb in the country. I knew he is the fastest, cuz it took me almost to the parking lot to catch him , he was so scared!
Joey
November 23rd, 2012
12:59 pm
And what parking lot were you in when SC played the Gators, J clowney?
Talk about disappearing . . .
Dawglasville
November 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Ohio, trolls are crazy these days. Take our troll… PLEASE!
GTford – maybe next weekend Saban will be able to wipe away your tears.
A RTR Hit-N-Run from ATL
November 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Can we talk about Alabama yet? I want to talk about UGA getting beat down against Alabama. I want to make some predictions.
Can you hurry up and play this game against a ACC team? ACC? BTW, some are saying the ACC will take the SEC this weekend with both UGA and UF losing to ACC teams. You do that, and you ought to be kicked out of the SEC for continuously being frauds.
BTW, any chance you guys can make the SECCG a black out game? I love it when you wear black uniforms and cheesy stuff like that so that we can say the reason you’re wearing black is because it’s going to be a [radio edit] funeral.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCDBFSIDFjU
Dawg^2
November 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Nice article, but that great option offense don’t mean squat if you don’t win!
A RTR Hit-N-Run from ATL
November 23rd, 2012
1:30 pm
The sad thing, is the 3rd ranked team in the nation uses a dog bark as it’s rally cry? woof woof? What is that?
BTW, is the GT game a big game for Georgia? If so, are you bringing big game Murray? 1 TD and 4 INTs on the season in big games? How about big game running? You average around 120 yards. But you average 91 yards in penalties in big games?
So I fail to understand, outside of la la wannabe land, what on earth makes you think you’re any good? You beat the UF? A team that will probably be humiliated this weekend? Give me another big win? Tennessee? Auburn? Missouri? VANDERBILT!? Kentucky? Buffalo?
Or at least explain to me what the heck happened at South Carolina? Herby said you guys just didn’t show up, I think Richt said it was because it was a night game and a soldier was brought home… wth? Really? What happened?
BTW compare your big game stats to ours… we’ve been in two gigantic games in 3 years, and won both. That’s why we have two trophies to add to the largest collection of national championships in history. But I digress. This year alone in the four games against ranked opponents we’ve scored 129 and allowed 62. You? You’ve played two and have been outscored 44 to 24. outscored. not the other way around.
If this game against “GT” is big for you guys… oh boy… it ain’t gonna be pretty for ya.
ROLL TIDE!
Dawglasville
November 23rd, 2012
1:38 pm
A RTR Hit-N-Run from ATL – I do hope you come back to the blog after the SEC championship. If Bama wins, no skin off our nose, you can’t be any more obnoxious than you are now. If you lose, man up and say,”I was wrong. You guys are pretty good. Good luck.” Do you think you can find the character to do something like that?
MT
November 23rd, 2012
2:04 pm
GATOR WATCHER
Florida loses to FSU and goes plays GT in the Fight Hunger Bowl
Who does a Georgia Bulldog pull for/against when Florida plays Georgia Tech?
Sean jones
November 23rd, 2012
2:10 pm
UGA 13 BAMA 42
Sean jones
November 23rd, 2012
2:12 pm
Cause in Alabama- football is life and UGA is for hippy boys
A RTR Hit-N-Run from ATL
November 23rd, 2012
2:16 pm
I’ll be here.