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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > August > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJohnson finds plenty of faults in Tech rout
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They passed on the first play. That was different. They’re never supposed to throw in this run, run and then run some more offense.
Plus, despite the Yellow Jackets’ bashing of mostly pitiful Jacksonville State with ease Thursday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium, there was Paul Johnson, interrupting his calm during much of the first half with a red face and a speed hop toward his Georgia Tech center who just botched a snap to his quarterback.
When you’re a perfectionist as a head coach, and it’s all about your offense during your first season in town, you always want to make sure the corpse is dead by shooting it again and again.
That Tech led 27-0 at the time along the way to a 41-14 blowout meant nothing to Johnson. Neither did all of those other little signs of hope for his triple option offense that rarely is used or seen among major colleges. His B-back, Jonathan Dwyer, already had more than 100 yards rushing, and his quarterback, Josh Nesbitt, already had 61 yards rushing while nearly attempting more passes before halftime (nine) than his Navy team averaged per game (10) last season.
It’s just that Tech had more than a few ugly moments during their fancy scrimmage disguised as their season opener, and Johnson responded accordingly.
And loudly.
We already told you that Johnson wasn’t (ahem) pleased that center Dan Voss blew that snap to interrupt the Jackets’ drive for more bullets in the Jacksonville State corpse. He also screamed up close and personal at Zach Krish after the reserve guard returned to the sideline in the third quarter after he jumped offside to blow a fourth-and-short attempt for Tech inside the red zone. Then there was Johnson yanking off his headphones before engaging in a one-way shouting match with Bret White after his high snap caused Scott Blair to miss badly on a short field goal attempt.
It’s all about the offense. Which means, whenever you mention anything involving Georgia Tech football this season, it’s all about Johnson, because he is that offense. He invented the plays. He calls the plays. So, whatever the offense does in his first year as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach after successful stints at Georgia Southern for five years and Navy for six years after that, he’ll take the credit or the blame.
This should be interesting.
Well, it better be. If nothing else, Johnson’s triple option offense needs to entertain until his players fully know what they’re doing with A-back, B-backs and all of those other kind of backs in this thing.
“Our fans are very excited by this offense, because they understand it’s a little different, and one of the things we try to do here in our athletics program is, we need to be good and different,” said Georgia Tech athletics director Dan Radakovich, watching a lively crowd of 45,706 spend much of the pleasant evening cheering the Jackets in general and Johnson’s offense in particular. “You can’t line them up all the same way being here at Georgia Tech, and that was one of the main reasons I thought Paul Johnson was a great fit for us with what he does.”
Jacksonville State doesn’t count much in the big picture, by the way, because the Jackets used their size and speed to overwhelm their Division I-AA opponent as much as that quirky offense. Never mind the Gamecocks are the favorites to win the Ohio Valley Conference. What will count regarding Johnson’s offense will be what the Jackets do against their ACC brethren and other legitimate teams.
Like beginning next week at Boston College.
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By CONFEDERATE
August 29, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
“There’s just too many issues with this offense for people to deal with,” Crowe (JSU coach)said. “We had two and a half weeks to deal with it. The rest of these folks will get two days. Good luck, ACC.”
By To Hell With Georgia
August 29, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
what we (i) saw tonight terrence was the future…CPJ and the jackets WILL get it together and run roughshod over the coastal division first, the acc 2nd, and the nation later. we need to work on our pass defense and our offensive execution, but by the time the U[sic]GA game rolls around, we’ll be hittin’ on all cylinders and the overrated muttlanders won’t know what hit ‘em….THWG!!!
By doogie22
August 29, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
GT folks - we have a GREAT coach! God Bless the Jackets!!!
By buzzwax
August 29, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
One hell of an improvement over the spring game! Proof of the pudding begins next weekend!!! Good enough to be excited, enough mistakes to ensure the kids don’t get full of themselves….
By Lexington
August 29, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
Yeah CPJ has a bunch of tape to look at. There is alot of good bad and ugly!!!!!
By Jim Harberson
August 29, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
So far so good. At least the fans are into the game. Before we get too excited, just remember that Jacksonville State cannot tackle at all. BC, VT can. But, let’s enjoy this one.
By lb
August 29, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
He is a great coach and GT will win a lot of ballgames and beat UGA. I am not saying this year, but very soon. It will not be any fun to play GT
By 2 Big Techs
August 29, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
Welcome change from the previous boob! Jax State or Florida State, this offense that has caused our own players so much trouble since last spring will now start to cause the OPPOSITION major headaches! Great job tonight, but I hope our defense played ‘vanilla’ against JSU. We’re going to need to hold BC under 20 next week in order to win in my opinion!
Welcome to The Flats coach! Mutts, you may OFFICIALLY start to worry about the evident ‘change in attitude PLUS RESULTS’ from now on. Enjoy your good times while they last (evn if it is limited to just another 3-4 weeks!)
By JSUTECHGA
August 29, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
you’re a joke Terrance…JSU did NOT play that bad tonight. They were outplayed, no doubt, but a corpse??? Whatever…get some eyes. I had over 10 Tech fans come up to me and tell me that JSU played very well considering who they were playing. We’re not bad at all, and you can’t just demean JSU because you have no basis to.
By Brewer for President
August 29, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
I have no problem with Johnson�s fiery response to mistakes. This was a tune up game. The score really wasn�t important. What was important was that the team executed against a real opponent in a real game. There were two illegal chop block flags, the special teams mistakes, dropped passes, fumbles, missed blocks, one bone-headed hit out of bounds and a few other mistakes. I would be disappointed with Coach Johnson if he wasn�t upset about these mistakes. That being said, there were quite a few bright spots to build off of. Burnett�s 2 interceptions, the first team D in general and several nice passes from Nesbitt and Shaw were positives to go along with the obvious run game.
By GT Soup
August 29, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
This is going to be one fun season! Promising new coach with high expectations and a proven record.
By Terrible Truth
August 29, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
Dan Radakovich is listed as probable for next weeks game against Boston College after suffering a strained shoulder while patting himself on the back.
After looking at the game photos, the Oregon Ducks can no longer lay claim to the ugliest uniforms in college football. Maybe on their side of the Mississippi but…
By Gary Harrison
August 29, 2008 4:52 AM | Link to this
Good column, Terrence. Tech players aquitted themselves well. As some sportswriters have said: Paul Johnson is a winner. Yeah, Jacksonville State wasn’t the quality of say, Virginia Tech and some other ACC teams, but they were a real,live opponent. Tech will improve as the competition improves - keep watching. Not even the soon-to-come butt sniffers can detract from this, though they’ll try.
By derek
August 29, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this
What a joke. Whopee. You are celebrating for beating who? It’s like Varsity paying the JV squad. You shole have won. Let’s get some reality
By MooreHater
August 29, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this
Hey BOY, would you have felt better if we would have kicked the poop out of your beloved Notre Dame…
You are a blithering idiot…Just like Nobama!!!!!
Go to Hell and to hell with Georgia!!!
By JLo
August 29, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
I am so glad to see we have a coach that is not satisfied with less than perfect performance. But what I really like is that he will be that way 5 years down the road, not just this “first impression” season. This team seems sharper and more focused than past teams. Even though the opponent was a lesser one, I was impressed with the execution of the offense despite the teams limited exposure to it. Good win, now lets get to work on the rest of the season. GO JACKETS!!!!
By DisneyDawg
August 29, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
GT couldn’t sell out their first game under a new coach and his “new” offense? You’ve got to be kidding. I wonder what it will take to get some fire in this program.
As far as this “new” and “different” offense- if my memory is correct, Bama was running the triple option in the late 60’s. GT and Coach Johnson have not reinvented the wheel, guys. Give it a rest.
Congratulations to the Yellow Jackets. I mean that sincerely, too. I hope they’re undefeated when UGA gets to them, but know better than to think that’ll happen.
By Ryan
August 29, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
DOes Moore ever write anything positive about any deam based n Georgia?
By Eric
August 29, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
So much for the offense not working this year terrence.
By Rico
August 29, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Over time, we will be a great team. But, we will struggle this year. There was only three things that I learned about our program on Thursday night..Coach Johnson is much taller than I thought, our new dance team girls are beautiful(shocker), and we do not have a kicking game.
We might sneak up an beat somebody big late in the season (not UGA), but we will struggle for the next 6 weeks. We should have scrimmaged our own defense instead of playing JSU. Their QB was a beast when he took off running, but absolutley no supporting cast.
Any Tech fan that walked away last night feeling as if we would win more than 6 games is crazy.
By GW
August 29, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Brilliant analysis. Now sharpen your wits to attack Georgia for every mistake they make tomorrow. I’m sure you are rooting for planty of them.
By Matt274
August 29, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
The most encouraging thing for me was to see a head coach who hates to lose and will not accept mediocrity. The Gailey era was filled with mistakes and interceptions that never received a public correction. Ball or Bennett make an incredibly stupid throw and get encouraged with the “better luck next time” from coaches. The offensive coaches body language communicated this message to all of the Tech fans in the stands. Lack of accountability created resentment between the offense and defense last year. The defense did it’s job and the offense wouldn’t show up. I love Coach Johnson and will support him wholeheartedly because of his demand for perfection.
By scott
August 29, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
I guess we’ll find out in the next couple of weeks what kind of team we’re going to have. This wasn’t much of a test. At first I wasn’t sure this was Tech at all, with those awful yellow uniforms. The entire country used to know immediately when Tech was playing by their classic gold uniforms. Last night they looked like a cross between West Virginia and the Power Rangers. Can you imagine Michigan, SoCal, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, making those kind of uniform changes? Schools with great traditions don’t change their uniforms. Bring back the Gold!
By eric
August 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Moore, do you ever have anything positive to say about GT.
I bet you don’t even know “what’s the good word?” It’s a new season. it sounds like you would just go ahead and hand out the Ws and Ls with out playing the games.
Could you be any more disrespectful of those gamecock kids that gave all there effort to play that game? NO!
The gamecocks worked harder at Dobby Dod than you did in writing this artical.
By MisterT
August 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
It was interesting and even fun to watch. They didn’t execute it flawlessly which is what drive CPJ crazy.
We really should have adopted the complete throwback uniforms. We definitely have a throw back, in your face coach and a throwback (with a new spin) offense. I like it already. Everyone will love it if we win. Winning overcomes EVERYTHING…ugly uniforms (I personally like the uniforms), “throwback offense,” yelling in your face coach (again I like that kind of discipline). Just win and the best of the best will want to play here and as uga has proven everybody will jump on the bandwagon regardless of where or if they attended the school.
Oh and yes I did go to Tech and was a fan as a child in south Georgia when & where it was not popular to be a Tech fan.
What’s The Good Word?
THWG!
By JB
August 29, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I’ll let you know after the VT game……………… Uniforms…Yuk
By William R. Smith
August 29, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I tend to agree Terrence, for once. Mistakes are for more indicative if losing a game, then an effective offense is in winning a game. Bobby Ross had the same philosophy…win (4) aspects of the game on penalties, turnovers, time of Possession and Rushing and most games will be a WIN for your team… blow 2 out of those 4 and you have 1 or 2 scoring drives snuffed each game and a lot more close losses, this is what Gailey did not overcome in 6 years..Hopefully Johnson will.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
August 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Just keep on rambling!!!!
By Tron5000
August 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
It was a fun game to watch from the stands, and they did what they were supposed to do: they stomped a lesser opponent. Next week is when the real fun starts.
There were times when the offense was executed exceptionally well. The first play should have been a 25-yard completion. The 2 pass plays down either seam in the first quarter were exactly what I wanted to see, with tremendous downfield blocking from the receivers. And Nesbitt and Dwyer made several good decisions off their reads.
If they can keep the ball off the ground, I believe this can be an exciting and explosive offense. They laid it down a few too many times, but I think that more reps at game speed in this offense will take care of that problem.
It was great not to see us bringing 6-8 guys on every defensive play. The downfield coverage was lacking a bit, but with more experience in this new defense, and with the front 4 holding it down, the LBs and secondary should have more time to zone in on their assignments. Morgan Burnett was outstanding in coverage, and the front 4 absolutely manhandled J-State’s O-Line (as they should have).
There is certainly room for improvement, but I liked what I saw in our first game under a new head coach, defense and offense. Good win, Jackets (and Coach Johnson). Now you have 9 days to prepare for BC. Make us proud.
By Tron5000
August 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
And by the way, Mr. Scott Blair, I know the snap on that first missed FG was high, but I have a feeling you may be getting some extra practice time this week. We’re used to a high standard in our kickers, and I am well aware that this was your first collegiate game, but we’re going to need that leg big time when the ACC comes knocking. Don’t let us down, sir.
By NC mountain Tech fan
August 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Glad his desire is perfection…but I sometimes hate intimidation (in front of many). Perhaps he will address those miscues in practice…like all coaches do.
Be happy coach!
By GT80
August 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
TM, this, like all of your articles, is mostly pitiful. Have you been designated by the AJC to be the writer to provide negative reports on Tech?
By terrance moore is bad
August 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
How do you stay employed as a sports writer?
By blackprix
August 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Like ‘fine wine’ it needs to get there.
Whoever makes that wine knows that. Coach Johnson knows what it’s going to take to get there and he knows how to make it that way.
Last night was just baby step to new beginnings. Like fine wine, time and attention to detail will make it all good.
By DJ
August 29, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Great article Mr. Moore. I would agree with your accent of the “different” that the engineers like. Tech wants to out smart the other team. Coach Johnson has shown this in the past. Tech fans hopes his smart plays will beat the opponents.
By SavTechIE
August 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
There wasn’t this kind of wonder and doubt when Bobby Dodd introduced the razzle dazzle belly series, about the same time as Princeton’s triple option that was built around a single player.
By DJ
August 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Great article Mr. Moore. I would agree with your accent of the different that the engineers like. Tech wants to out smart the other team. Coach Johnson has shown this in the past. Tech fans hopes his smart plays will beat the opponents.
By Not Disappointed
August 29, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Good win Jackets. A few mistakes, but over all you look good. Now, lets beat Boston College! “Go Jackets!”
By Brian Jones Tech fan
August 29, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Was at the game and was impressed with the offense and that they held onto the ball that well next week will be a test but THWG I hate UGA just as much as every other tech fan but we have to give it to them talent wise they have the best team in the country now there schedule is a buggabo so lets see how the season plays out give johnson 2 years and the clean old fashined hate will be one of top rivalries in the nation the hesiman watch will have #24 from up the road and #21 from right here on it in about 5 weeks
By Bob in SF
August 29, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
T-Mo is right though, at times it was very sloppy; fumbled snaps, under or over thrown passes to wide-open receivers, guys still going the wrong way, etc. It’s one thing to overwhelm a team with just one division 1 level athlete but can they clean it up enough to play some very good ACC teams very soon. They will need to lock it up and get on the same page if they want to have a chance when they play BC and Va. Tech. The defense looked pretty good but some work remains on speacial teams as well.
By PWL3084
August 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Not a Tech fan. However, went to the game w/ a couple of friends to see what all the hype is about. Tech looked pretty good for the most part (pass defense & special teams could use some work) but until they play a team w/ comparible atheletes and coaching it’s really hard to say. Curious as to how J. Shaw will hold up against a bigger, faster, stronger defense than Jacksonville State.
By EasyCharlie
August 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Only 45,000 fans in the stands? On opening day? Where were all those “Jacket faithful?” Home watching Obama, maybe. Disappointing.
By Hot Sauce
August 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Good job Jackets. Now let’s do the same against a not so good BC team. I’m just happy to be excited. Go Jackets!! Loaf loves Merlot
By Josh H
August 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
JSUTECHGA:
I agree with you, and while JSU is still no Appalachian State, they are probably a bit better than the GSU team going to UGA tomorrow and a far cry better than the samford team we played in our home opener last year.
JSU had a plan on offense. Block 6, and throw some dump passes. Unfortunately, we were able to get good pressure with our front 4 and the coverage was a blanket. Also, as much as I think he’s an idiot, Perilloux will win you some games this year.
I’m just happy that Tech did what they should have done. It keeps me optimistic that we’ll avoid the 3-11 season most pundits have tabbed for us. But I guess we’ll find out next week when we face Boston College.
By west coast
August 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Off to a respectable start. Need to get everybody into the same color shoes and socks. Uniforms include the lower legs and feet.
By The Duke
August 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
The Jackets played about as well as they could play this early in the season given the new coaching staff, offensive and defensive schemes, etc. I don’t think the team needs to focus on doing anything other than just getting better each week. Knowing CPJ, that’s what he’s telling the players right now. The wins and loses will generally take care of themselves.
The Duke
By georgia southern fan
August 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Not too bad for a preview, but the best is yet to come for the Jackets - if not this season, then in seasons to come. Trust me, I’ve watched PJ teams for years and have been a fan of his offense and his coaching style since his first stint at Georgia Southern. I think he’s the best football coach in the country. In fact, I wish like hell PJ was still at Georgia Southern.
GATA Eagles…
By yep
August 29, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
It amazes me that Mr. Moore has been able to make this job work for so long. Have you not gone to any of the practices or warm ups? Where were you when Johnson said he would be able to open the field more with play action passes due to the better talent and overall team speed this year?
Wake up Terrance! This program is going to take time but when everything starts to gel youll see a team thats prepared for anyone. This is the best thing to happen to Tech since Bobby Ross. You do remember Coach Ross dont you? If you know anything about the game, you know that theres a difference between “losing” and getting “beat.” Like Gailey, we lost some games with Ross. But we NEVER got beat. Our kids were NEVER out of shape, they NEVER gave up, and most of all, we were NEVER out coached. Do your homework Terrance. Its going to take time. Probably 2/3rds of the season. That gives you plenty of time to learn about the game, the new staff, and what is soon around the corner for the Jackets. Oh yeah! To Hell with Georgia!!!!
By TechCrybaby
August 29, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I agree, Terence. JSU was a corpse, compared with what BC is going to confront Tech with next week. With Paul Johnson confronting them this week, though, the Tech players will be pounded harder than BC will be able to. I call it, Georgia Tech 28, Boston College 24.
I was not in Denver, but as a rabid Tech fan, I know that when the Jackets finally defeat UGA, it will be a great step forward for Tech fans, UGA fans, all college football fans throughout the state, and for all of America.
By NavyFan
August 29, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Jacket fans are in for a fun ride with Paul Johnson. I watched our Navy team go from pathetic to impressive in the first three years of his tenure here in Annapolis. We could see the frustration build on the opponent’s sidelines as the Midshipmen pushed the defense up and down the field at a pace of 4 to 8 yds/play. Then as they overcommitted to try to stop the run, PJ would call a pass to an often wide-open receiver. He’ll do something similar at Tech - only faster due to your superior atheletes. By the time your sophmores are seniors, no one will be laughing about the triple option any more… and no opponent will look forward to playing Ga. Tech. Enjoy the ride.
By tech schmeck
August 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
That’s why I love you Tech nerds. Win a game against a nothing school, and all of a sudden Georgia has been given permission to “start worrying”, and y’all are gonna be “clicking on all cylinders” when it’s time to play us, huh? We are truly terrified. Let me tell you something: When you fumble against us, you will not be getting touchdowns out of it. You looked horrible last night against an overmatched team. We are going to eat your lunch in November, just like the last 7 years. And y’all will be crying about your team and how awful they are before you even get to us. You know, after you play a few REAL teams, and they kick your sorry a—es! The hell with Georgia Yech!
By gtforever
August 29, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
tech schmeck
Start listening very closely. The clock is ticking. Your domination is about to come to an END. We are finally going to be competitive. Two GREAT Georgia football teams….. It’s going to be a beautiful thing!
THWG……
By Gene
August 29, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
It does not appear that Johnson will cater to criminals and thugs like someone else I know.
By Yellow Jacket lifer
August 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
tech schmeck … I’ll bet, by reading your blog, you’re one of those ‘tool’s’ that actually thought JSU would challenge, or beat, TECH b/c they had a former SEC player on their team. And now, because that didn’t happen, you are changing your tune to say how bad Tech played against a sorry opponent.
Let’s see…just shy of 500 yards of O, 349 yards rushing, 41pts., D allowing only 95 yards in 3 qrts (vs. that stud SEC MVP QB you hung your hopes on). Not bad for a team that, as you said, played so bad. You are dam* right you’re worried; as you should be. And BTW ‘tool-time’ … who is “WE” & “US” you were referring to in your post - do you actually play for GA??
P.S. Thanks for watching the game on ESPN 360 though … nice to know GA fans are paying so much (frightened) attention!
By blackprix
August 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Coach Johnson can coach, lead, direct, teach and discipline this team.
Tech fans have a lot of positive things to look forward to in the Johnson era.
We’ve ONLY JUST BEGUN!