Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > April > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStumbles, fumbles don’t faze Tech coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Paul Johnson is a realist. He is also an optimist, and good that he is, for after Georgia Tech’s spring practice wrap-up game Saturday, both qualities are highly recommended. A football coach realizes that precision and timing aren’t achieved in a flash. They come only with repetition, drill after drill, and if you put together the number of times Tech’s new head coach shook his head and kicked the air, mildly but despairingly at another play gone awry, the message was transmitted to the 8,000-or-so patrons viewing from the seats in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
It was the coming out of Johnson’s personal spread offense. It has been his trademark from here to Hawaii and back. No fullback, no tailback, but an “A” back and a “B” back, and essentially a quarterback with the deceptive skill of a magician. The final scrimmage couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start. The first snap was fumbled, then the sophomore quarterback, Josh Nesbitt, took a wrong turn, and this was the No. 1 team. The first first down came on a pass from a walk-on freshman. That freshman, Bryce Dykes, was the most effective quarterback at running Johnson’s offense. Another, Calvin Booker, was the most impressive passer. He threw lasers for two touchdowns, but those were rare interventions in Johnson’s trademark spread offense.
“I was hoping for something a little smoother, but it didn’t surprise me,” the coach said. “I didn’t know what to expect.”
It would be accurate to say the spectators were aghast, but too startled to let it show. I mean, after all, this is the hope of the future. The Gailey Era has been put away, and this is what they get? Johnson, though, showed no signs of despair, nor did he after he had a few days for it to sink in. You should be reminded that this is a mountain man whose early ambition was to be the next Elmer Aldridge. Aldridge was his high school coach in the town where he grew up — Newland, N.C.
“From the time I was in high school, that was what I wanted to do — go back home and be the coach at Avery County,” he has said. You might say he has overshot his goal.
As for his trademark spread offense, he has this to say: “People who don’t like it, don’t know it, don’t understand it.” Takes some time and patience.
You can’t expect a miracle. Johnson’s first team at Navy won only two games. George O’Leary broke in at Georgia Tech with a three-game losing streak. Bobby Ross was 2-9 and 3-8 his first two seasons, but a national championship followed.
And in his first spring game, Paul Johnson’s second team beat his first team like a drum. If the Grant Field patrons were left scratching their heads, they have company in the coach himself, getting his first serious look at his intricate offense in the hands of a cast to whom it was a complete mystery a month ago.
“Our wounds were self-inflicted. You see the ball, you’ve got to catch the ball,” he said. “It’s never as bad as it looks, it’s never as good as it looks. I’m confident we’re going to get it right.”
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech/ACC
Comments
By JS
April 22, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Gotta keep the faith.
By chuck
April 22, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Amen
By TDone
April 22, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Rome was not built in a day, and neither was Syracuse.
By Jaded Jacket
April 22, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Fourteen practices. Not even a pro team will achieve perfection in a new system in a short period of time. They’ll get it. All of his other teams did.
By JJ
April 22, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
You have to wonder… did Navy, GSU, and Hawaii look that bad the first time they tried out PJ’s spread offense?
By MJ
April 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
The offense was up and down, Furman. When it looked bad, it looked really really bad. But at times it was unstoppable. Then, of course, would come a mistake.
The players have to get acclimated to the new system. They’re still thinking too much.
By jimbo
April 22, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
The second team did NOT beat the first team! What I saw was the second team executing better and scoring more against the second team defense, and the first team offense struggling against a very good first team defense. In the past, first string offense played second string defense, and looked great! In those games, the second string offense did not fare as well against the first string defense. Paul Johnson had this to say in an Annapolis Capitalarticle on our Spring game: “I just don’t think you gain a whole lot out of going out there and beating the fool out of the third team. The fans might ooh and ah and talk about it when you leave, but what I’m trying to do is make sure my guys get better for the fall and the best way I know to do that is to play good on good. That’s what we tried to do.”
So, we really shouldn’t read too much into the results. I expected better execution from the first team offense, but then again, the first team defense had practiced against this offense for 15 sessions, knew every checkoff and the limited scope of plays, and basically gave a clinic on how to stop the triple option! Once the season starts, opposing teams will only have a week (2 or 3 practice sessions) to prepare their defense. CPJ should be optimistic …. GT has the talent to make his offense work at a BCS level.
By surfrider
April 23, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
Just curious what the Norm is at these spring games? There are only maybe two or so I can remember dating back to when Bobby Ross showed up and they were all sort of slow. There is an old saying of Concentrate mass and don’t spread oneself or team out too thin. Tech is kind of thin anyway but when you divide it in two it’s really thin. Once all the players are on one offense reinforced with another freshman class it will look much better. What did look pretty good was a defense divided in two. Just imagine maybe these defensive players will be really good when they concentrate mass.
By son_sir
April 23, 2008 6:15 AM | Link to this
Based on CPJ’s 1st year record in Annapolis, it took a while at Navy to get things clicking on all cylinders.
It took a couple of years for it to become a dominant force at Georgia Southern (it was already in place when CPJ arrived as a DL coach). However, once the ‘O’ got in sync and the offense developed some chemistry, it was a silky smooth machine that ran up insane numbers.
As for those who say it can’t work against the “big boys”, I suggest you go look up some offensive stats from Georgia Southern in Athens and Tallahasee, when it was run to it’s potential. More talented athletes will be bringing it at GT. There’s no reason why it can’t be done at Tech, but it will take time.
By GT4Ever
April 23, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
I agree with Jimbo. If the defense knows what’s coming then of course it will look good. The offense wouldn’t have a chance. We’ll see once we start playing teams that have no idea. Let’s get this thing started.
By No Dawgs Here
April 23, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
This is going to be a long, long, long season…
By King of Sandy Springs
April 23, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
I saw what I expected at the spring game. A great offense ran by inexperienced players, and a defensive line that knew how to blow through the line. Offensively our guys just need to get into a rhythm. I don’t think we’ll be running like a well oiled machine by the first game, but I bet by mid-season, this offense will be one of the best in the ACC. What a great offense. It’s a shame (or blessing to us) it’s taken this long for PJ to get his shot at a BCS school.
By spring game
April 23, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
I was at the spring game. Somebody asked me how the offense looked. I told them I didn’t know because the defense was in the backfield before we could even get the ball handed off. But with the 2nd defense, you could see the plays develop and they were moving the ball pretty well. There were walk-on wide receivers streaking down the sideline wide open and huge holes up the middle. I’m glad the team seems optimistic, they know that they made huge strides this spring.
By gt45
April 23, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
We’ll be fine.
By Tech won
April 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
.
By Optimistic
April 23, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
We have to remember that we won most games last year with our defense and still went 7-5. Our defense looks superb after watching the spring game and although there’s a learning curve to the offense, I think it will be equally if not more effective than our offense was last year (remember the BC and VT games??). The only reason we would go 2-11 or 3-10 is if shoot ourselves in the foot with fumbles, botched plays, etc.
By GT55
April 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Coach Johnson We’re going to get it right. I’ll put my money on PJ and the kids….GO GT!
By 89EAGLE
April 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
When your defense knows the checks and which way the ball is going everytime, they should dominate against a group players running a new offense. CPJ will get this under control for GT. The QB’s will get used to taking snaps from center instead from the shotgun. GT will be fine.
By 89EAGLE
April 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
When your defense knows the checks and which way the ball is going everytime, they should dominate against a group players running a new offense. CPJ will get this under control for GT. The QB’s will get used to taking snaps from center instead from the shotgun. GT will be fine.
By Colorado: True national champs
April 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
A split national championship you mean…GO BUFF’S!!!1
By Son of a Gun
April 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Hahaha, Colorado?!?! They won by getting a fifth down. It’s nationally known as one of the biggest reffing blunders in college football. But you wouldn’t care about that fact because you’re a U[sic]GA fan that’s trying to rile us up. Good try mutt.
…BTW, did Furman Bisher just write an article about Tech? That’s pretty incredible.
By Relax, take a breath
April 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
People, People …
Here’s something to consider if you’re concerned about the new offense, and its success.
If you were at the T-day game last Saturday you witnessed the 2nd offense execute the new system MUCH better with more scores than the first ….. don’t forget, the 1st offense had the QB, and 2 offensive lineman that missed most of spring practice, and A-back Greg Smith got injured & missed the last week+ of practice. The 2nd offense showed the potential, and what this offense will be doing in the Fall.
The 1st offense showed another reason why it will be tough to defend this offense …… their loan score came on a 3rd & 8, A PASSING SITUATION, and it was a 43-yd…running play!
Relax, take a breath. Everything’s going to be fine.
By Joshua Barlowe
April 23, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
We’ll be fine - no reason to panic.
Go Jackets!
By 7inarow
April 23, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
How will GT stop a Pro Style offense when they see option every day at practice. There is no way the scout team can simulate UGA’s offense.
By Jaded Jacket
April 23, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
7inarow: Tech’s opponents (UGA included) will experience the same problem. Opponents will find it difficult to simulate Tech’s offense for their defense to work against. There’s two sides to every coin.
By Beeware
April 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
7inarow: Tech’s D will play against offenses similar in style to UGA’s almost every week, and every experienced player on our D already has lots of time against such offenses. I don’t see how it’s a problem.
By 7inarow-soontobe8
April 23, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Jaded Jacket - I realize that teams will rarely see the option offense and it will make it difficult to defend when the right players are executing it. I just havent seen it mentioned that GT will not regularly see a pro style ran by a #1 offense except on Saturdays (and of course on Thursday nights in GT’s case). Just the side of the coin that GT fans refuse to see.
By OldskoolJacket
April 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I was very happy with the amount of passing I saw. There were quite a few times there were designed pass plays but Nesbitt had to tuck and run because of the pressure. The 1 Defense was so much better than the 1 Offense because of the Oline injuries and the talent descrepancy.
I think the 2 Offense beating the 2 Defense says to me that the system works given relatively equal talent. We should be good by the last half of the season (b/c the 1 Offense needs the reps). Did I mention how happy I was at the amount of passing plays? It’s definitely going to be a big part of what we’re going to do.
By Coach Bill the Real Deal Lewis
April 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Has Ferman selected a tech player to date this year yet, preferably a tight end or a long snapper who can get some rotation on the ball. Ever since Bobbie Dudd bailed out after 5 straight losses to Georgia (sound familiar, tech fans?) Ferman has had to date the players because no coach will ever “measure up” for Ferman.
I remember when he tormented over whether we should date, but in the end (no pun intended) he decided no one could ever replace Bobbie (no pun intended). Alas Ferman one day hopes to be laid to rest with feet up on the tech 50 yard line - hopefully after he is deceased. It would be too kinky to do so while still alive and someone took pictures.
By Jim D**
April 23, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Good article, Furman. It was nice to read many positive blogs regarding Coach PJ and his new offense. As always, there are those who write like fifth graders. Surely, they never went to college.
Finally, the author of “By Coach Bill the Real Deal Lewis” should be ashamed. A sickening blog if ever I saw one! Jim D**
By gpburdell
April 24, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
As Pepper said in a recruiting meeting: “We are recruiting two types of players at Georgia Tech, those who are smart enough to do the classwork and those that are too f’ng stupid to realize what they’re getting themselves into.” If Pepper’s “student athletes” could learn the triple option, Johnson won’t have a problem.
By Techwood
April 24, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, I can’t worked up about comments from UGag fans “7 in a row” when their University ( sic ) has a DEGREE in Sports Studies and Turfgrass Management. Essentially, Tech fans are supposed to be embarassed for losing to paid professionals rather than student athletes.
By destin
April 24, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK MR.BISHER! We need to be calling it a spread offense instead of a triple option offense — a lot of top recruits have an eye to the pros, and want an offense that will showcase their talents for the next level. A ‘spread offense’ sounds more like the pros. And even though the run will dominate, PJ would be a fool not to have a solid passing game also.
By michaelgee
April 24, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
It is called “Learning a NEW SYSTEM”. Give them time, they will get there.
By College Fan
April 24, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Hey Furman, how’s your wife and my kids?
By Zeb McKluskey
April 25, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Techwood, man…we haven’t ever heard the term UGAG before. Dam dude, you are completely original. But please don’t forget our Swine Production and Astroturf Grass PhD program we offer. We’ve also got classes in Flourescent Bulb Cutting and Propellor Wash Assistant Engineer. But I see where you’re coming from. Every graduate from UGA is a complete failure. Actually, they don’t REALLY graduate. They pay the school SO much money that they get to go party for 7-8 years and come out with that little diploma. You got us man, you’ve found our little secret. Most GA grads are either a greeter at Walmart, or bringing a pizza to your mansion. I say mansion, cause I know that every Tech grad is bringing down at least 300k…….Right????
OK true Tech people, I jest with some of your younger fans. I think you guys are going to be just fine once the entire team is used to this new direction. I know it’s going to be just around the corner that you’re going to challenge the dawgs again……but hey….tell PJ to at least give us this year. We just might make a run at it. Or, we just might suck it up…..who knows. Good luck with your program.
By UGARULES
May 10, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
TECHWOOD obviously you guys do get worked-up over losing to UGA. Look not further than the on-line poll. 77% of TECH fans would rather beat UGA than win the ACC. Now that, my friends, is envy. Good luck with either. By the sounds of things you’ll need it.
By UGARULES
May 10, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
TECHWOOD obviously you guys do get worked-up over losing to UGA. Look not further than the on-line poll. 77% of TECH fans would rather beat UGA than win the ACC. Now that, my friends, is envy. Good luck with either. By the sounds of things you’ll need it.