AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 22
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sizing up the first third of the season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The off week is a good time to take stock of what we’ve seen so far.
With Tech 3-1 overall, 1-1 in the ACC (without hosting a conference game yet), the optimism surrounding the program is justified.
OFFENSE: The option-based ground game never looked better than it did Saturday, when the Jackets ran for an astounding 438 yards. With the O-Line looking very cohesive, a host of runners took advantage.
You had to love the balance, with Jonathan Dwyer (141 yards), Greg Smith (62), Jaybo Shaw (61), Embry Peeples (56) and Roddy Jones (33) all making an impact.
Of course there was no need to throw much, and Tech attempted only nine passes. Bay-Bay did get his first TD catch. The jury is still out on whether the Jackets can pass effectively enough if they have to throw 15 to 20 times, or if they fall a couple scores behind.
DEFENSE: This unit has been solid all season. The D-Line has been as good as advertised, the linebackers have held up despite injuries, and the secondary has six picks already.
Consider that the Bulldogs had a 71-yard run. On their other 29 carries, they netted 37 yards.
Tech did yield 299 passing yards. The secondary is still pretty young, and in some cases they gave too much cushion.
The pass defense will get much stiffer tests soon from Duke and Clemson.
SPECIAL TEAMS: After an uneven start, the special teams performed well Saturday. Scott Blair is kicking with more confidence. He still needs to do a better job of pinning opponents inside the 20 on punts.
COACHING: It’s clear the players have bought into what CPJ and his staff are teaching.
How do you assess the first third of the season?
