AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOne challenge for each side of the ball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clemson is still going with freshman Willy Korn at QB against Georgia Tech.
A fan favorite who won state titles at Byrnes High, Korn is much more of a running threat than Cullen Harper. That should help because the Tigers’ offensive line is in disarray. Korn will need that escapability — is that a real word? — to get away from Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan.
But remember, the only QB who has given Tech real trouble this year was the Hokies’ Tyrod Taylor. He didn’t post big numbers, but he got key first downs by making Jackets miss.
Korn’s speed will pose a challenge for Tech’s defense, which continues to rise in the national rankings.
On the offensive side, we all know the O-line took a lot of heat for Saturday’s debacle. CPJ was blunt in his criticism immediately afterward, suggesting changes might be forthcoming.
But after practice Monday, CPJ basically said, This is who we’ve got. And he praised the line for big offensive days against Miss. St. and Duke.
“It’s frustrating but it’s one game,” said the coach, who again took the blame for not getting the team ready to play.
CPJ said he might take a look at young O-linemen in backup roles, but it sounds like the starting five remains intact.
How do you think Tech’s lines will fare Saturday? Can a dominant effort by the D-line overcome a mediocre performance by the O-line?
Comments
By Carolina Jacket
October 14, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
As you suggested, probably depends on the speed of the game. If the backs can get their plays off quickly the line should be ok, but they can’t hold off the big Clemson dlinemen for long.
By NYJacket
October 14, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
They will adjust and will play an outstanding game.
By Geori
October 14, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Well, it’s good that the flexbone is built for speed. The QB and B-Back couldnt be any closer to the line.
By BuzzFactor
October 14, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I think the D-line will have a big day. The Clemsom O-line cannot shut them down, so they will be in Korn’s face quite a bit. Our O-line will be back in true form again this week with Nesbitt rallying the troops. The O-line’s effort will be god not mediocre! You can’t say enough about the difference the right QB will make with this offense. Go Jackets!
By That_Guy
October 14, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
The key this week is that the Clemson defense will have to actually respect the QB keeper. The past 2 weeks that hasn’t happened, but never more apparant than with Booker running. With Nesbitt, I’m much more comfortable with this offense and offensive line.
By ga_tech_92
October 14, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Respect everyone. Fear no one. The team that wants it the most will win this one. I hope that GT comes out pumped early and shuts down the emotional ride Clemson will likely be on.
GO JACKETS!!
THWG!!!!
By jabster
October 14, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I predict a Duke-like game—a defensive struggle until the 4th quarter, then we pull away. Maybe sooner if Clemson implodes or if we can get some defensive scoring going. This may become a recurring theme until our O-line beefs up.
I hope that CPJ has pounded into our O-line’s head how important their role will be in the mental part of the game Saturday. If we can do early damage it will make the rest of the game MUCH easier.
Again, turnovers will be a big factor in this game.
We need to assume that Clemson will be in their highest spirits, and therefore we need to bring our A+ game. If they aren’t, it’s a bonus.
By Willie Nillie
October 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
The D-line will have a great day facing another QB in his first career start. Korn will need to run, a lot, because he does not have the experience tlike Tie-rod has. I expect the O-line to have a much better game because the offense will not be one-dimensional. We will have an option QB again and that should make their tasks much easier. Too bad Korn didn’t go to UGA so he could become KORNDAWG!
By UnconvincedGTFan
October 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
The key will be to hit them early and hard and not give them any big plays on their side. If we can do that, then any boost that Clemson would have received by “rallying” around Bowden’s firing will be negated, and the negativity and self-doubting that has been surrounding this program will re-emerge.
However, I’m worried about the O-line specifically and the offense in general. Even though we have beaten Boston College, Miss State and Duke and nearly won at Va Tech, all four of these teams spent a lot of time in our backfield, and we had a large number of plays that went for negative or minimal yardage. In that sense, Johnson is very much like Tenuta, his scheme is predicated on the big play. I didn’t like it under Tenuta and I certainly don’t like it now on the offensive side of the ball.
As the season has progressed, defenses are figuring out how to attack this offense. They will put 8-9 players in the box to stop the option. Duke and G-W were not good enough defensively to make it work (although GW came very close), the rest of the defenses that we face will be a much bigger test.
Has anyone rethought their feelings towards Johnson? One of the knocks on Gailey was that every year he usually had atleast one loss to a team that Tech should have beat. Well, he never lost to a 1-AA team, or even came within the width of Derrick Morgan’s hand from a late game-tying field goal.
I see us going 2-4 the rest of the way. That will still make us bowl eligible and an improvement from where most people had us picked in the preseason.
By wes king
October 14, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Too bad Korn didn’t go to UGA so he could become KORNDAWG!
LOL!! Thank you!
By wreckmaniac
October 14, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Tech is not a team that has “just woke up”. Wins over BC on the road and Miss State and a shutout over Duke are not accidents. There is no reason to doubt the defense. The offense will recover. I see 4 wins and 2 loses.
By reebok
October 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Korn’s first start, playing for a disorganized, demoralized team, facing one of the best d-lines in the country. Heh. If we get Nesbitt back and he is 100% healthy, Tech will roll.
By Jack G
October 14, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
We will find out how well the lines play when the game is played—-everything elese is speculation. In other words hot air and BS
By Orange Pride
October 14, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
There’s a reason we were favored to win the ACC this season. And Tech fans are about to learn why!
Come get some!
By Rico
October 14, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
This week will be a challenge. The key will be the first 10 minutes of the game. Clemson will start out stong and fast. If Tech can find a way to stay within 7 points at halftime and does not lay the ball on the ground, Tech should pull off a close win.
Clemson has alot off speed and will be jacked up for this game. We will learn alot about CPJ and his ability to win on the road in fron of a huge crowd.
Oh yeah, in an effort to fire up the crowd, do not be surprised to see the solid Purple uniforms. They whipped our butt’s two years ago with those ugly uni’s.
TECH 31 CLEMSON 28
By Alabama Jack
October 14, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Unconvinced Tech Fan - I won’t argue with you, but I sure hope you are wrong.
By To Orange Pride
October 14, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
There’s also a reason you’re 3-3. By “come get some” do you mean wins? Maryland, Wake, and Alabama sure came and got some easy ones. I guess you’re glad you’ve also gotten to play SC State, NC State and the Citadel.
By Sting Attack
October 14, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Yeah, there is a reason why you were pre season favorite to win the ACC, it’s called clueless and stupidity.Not many teams win their conference when their coach quits in the middle of the season.
By don't care to "Know our dogs"
October 14, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Larry, I have really grown weary of having to look at the sports section every tuesday morning to see some overhyped uga player looking at me and the AJC telling me I should know him. If the AJC is going to do this for uga, what do they plan to do for Tech? i don’t care to know what these people like to do for fun or eat for cereal or whatnought. I honestly woudln’t even really care to know this for our Jackets players, and I’m a huge fan! This is blatant bias! Of course, I guess that should come as no surprise to me
By don't care to "know our dogs"
October 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Correction: It’s not on the sports page, it’s on the front page every week. This type of material is not news and definitely not front page worthy.
By Brewer
October 14, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
UnconvincedGTFan Paul Johnson is not the Tenuta of Offense. The offensive line is relearning how to block. They can no longer be ‘large and in the way’ as in the Gailey pro-style days. Now they have to sprint out, stay low and attack the defenders. Remember all the talk in the preseason about how much weight the o-line lost? The o-line must be quick and strong to knock defenses back off the ball. They’ve dropped the weight but I don’t know that they’ve gained the strength yet. In addition to the line, the backs and the receivers must block. When executed properly, CPJ’s offense is a great equalizer and in particular punishes undisciplined, aggressive defenses. It is not really a high risk offense. If everyone does their job then the play should earn a couple of yards. If the defense gets caught with their pants down (see counter-option plays against Miss ST and BC), then GT gets huge returns.
There isn’t much question about what the d-line will do to Clemson. They should be in the backfield all day. The question is: How the linebackers step up to the challenge? Clemson has dangerous backs, and the addition of a mobile QB will add another wrinkle to that threat. Hopefully Sedric Griffin will be healthy so he can ‘welcome’ Willy Korn to college football.
By StingDoc
October 14, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
To don’t care to “Know our dogs” Why don’t you cancel your subscription to the Atlanta Urinal and Constipation like so many other Tech fans have? The AUC has forgotten that Tech, not UGA, is the Home Town Team as it was in Furman Bisher’s reign. You can get unbiased coverage on the web at ramblinwreck.com, the Hive, ESPN, CNNSI, etc.
By TechCrybaby
October 14, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Orange Pride, we know you do have good players. Yesterday, with Bowden’s departure, it seemed, Tech, 30-14. This morning, I was thinking, no, it will be more like, Tech, 20-18. Now the Las Vegas line agrees, with Tech by one measly point. It will be close, Orange Pride. You have a chance.
By Buzzfan1936
October 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
There is confusion at Clemson about who the QB will be which should work to Tech’s advantage. First, Korn, then Harper, now Korn again. Tech’s excellent D line should be able to pressure the freshman and force errors and turnovers. Our O line needs to show up and play as they did against BC, Miss. State, Duke, and even VT. All this is based on Nesbitt and/or Jaybo being healthy and ready to play.
Tech 28 Clemson 13
By Not Disappointed
October 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Listen Jackets can win! go Jackets!!
By CW
October 14, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Funny how so many Tech fans focus on UGA alone as Tech’s ‘rival’, when I see Clemson as a team that is also a huge rival for Tech year in and year out. The last few years have been atypical with larger margins of victory. I suspect that this year we’ll get back to one of those see-saw battles where one team scores late to get a narrow victory.
Our D lost contain against VT and it cost us, but against Duke’s mobile QB, we played much better. Granted Clemson has much better RB and WR weapons, but I still like our D to not give up too many big plays or points.
This week, however, we can’t expect the D to pitch a shutout. The offense has to control the ball and the clock. Turnovers will be huge in this game as will 3rd down conversions. If Tech can control the ball and come away with points (TD’s or FG’s) then our D will keep Clemson bottled up. However, if we put the ball on the ground, Clemson (with Korn or Harper) will make us pay and our D will wear down.
I like our chances in this game and I love to beat Clemson in Clemson.
By Republicans R Crooks
October 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
You will have to check with a non-uga graduate on the alleged word “escapability” because I am sure no uga graduate could correctly answer your question. Since all the ajc writers are uga graduates, I can see why you have to ask the public for help.
By Jared
October 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
need a LB or safety spying Korn. could have used that against Tyrod Taylor.
no dumb helmet-to-helmet penalties to sustain drives and we’ll be fine.
the timing with Nes and/or Shaw will help the o-line tremendously.
By GT45
October 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Our O against their D will be a physical battle all day long. We need time consuming drives with points. Our D will stuff their O, so look for some trickery-reverses, half back passes, and fake punts and field goals.
By Born2Buzz
October 14, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Willie Nillie…hilarious. Wes King, thanks for highlighting that.
Orange Pride, the only reason Clemson was picked to win the ACC was because the writers don’t really pay attention to the reality of football. Clemson had great offensive skill position talent coming back, but they lost the entire offensive line, and most of the D line. Anybody with knowledge of football knows that the O & D Lines are the real substance of the team. Thus Clemson should never have been ranked as high as they were to begin with and the Bama clubbing should not have been unexpected. Of course Bowden’s poor coaching decisions didn’t help.
Our D Line is our strength and poor Willie Korn will be running for his life. Bowden probably was benching Harper because he know he was going to get killed this Saturday.
The team was surprisingly looking ahead against G-W. We will bounce back and kick some Tiger tail. Expect another Duke/Miss St. final tally, say 27-3.
By Max
October 14, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Unconvinced GT Fan is a Dawg!!!!
By Climpsun is a Redneck School
October 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Clemson is completely a big rival of Tech and generally we can always throw out the records when these 2 teams meet. It seems that in the past 10 years that the team not expected to win has won - and when we expect a close game it turns into a blowout and vice versa. Who would have guessed last year the score would be 6-3 as Clemson was having a very good year with James Davis and Spiller running like the wind.
Climpsun is a redneck school, doo da, doo da Climpsun is a Redneck School, oh da doo da day. Gonna Moo all Night! Gonna Moo all Day! Climpsun is a Redneck School, oh da doo da day!
By Buzzfan1936
October 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Clemson has the most talented group of players we have faced so far. CPJ needs to have the team prepared based on the assumption that Clemson will be fired up because Bowden is gone. Tech needs to hit them hard early and get them off balance so that they don’t have time to get all that talent organized and playing well together. If Clemson happens to be down, so much the better, but we should prepare for the opposite.
BTW, I loved KORNDAWG!!
By Buzzfan1936
October 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
KEN SUGIURA: “The home stretch looks tougher and tougher. Besides Clemson, four of Tech’s remaining opponents — Virginia, North Carolina, Miami and Georgia — all won Saturday. Including Florida State, which was off, there are no gimmes in this bunch.”
If Tech goes 3-3 the rest of the way against this tough schedule, I would call Paul Johnson’s first season to be a successful one. I thought that based on spring practice, a brand new system, etc. that this would be a depressing season. It has been anything but! Of course, I have high hopes that the Jackets can do much better than 3-3. Saturday will be the first big test of the second half of the season.
GO JACKETS!! BEAT CLEMSON!!
By mountain fan
October 14, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
I like the spy thing on korn also…
old saying…for the want of a nail, the shoe was lost…etc.
For the want of a mobile QB….you know…
Not the case this week!
By BuzzFactor
October 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Clemson is becoming a good rivalry. The sad things is there is really only one old rivalry left - UGA, and that one has been a long rough strecth for us. Times change and and new rivalries are built but, man do I wish we could add a yearly contest with Auburn, and rebuild that one…
By ken sugiura
October 14, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Buzzfan1936- I think you’re right. I’d guess most fans would have gladly taken 8-4. But now, obviously, expectations have changed. I wonder now if Tech fans would be a little disappointed to go 3-3 down the stretch. But I have to say, this looks like a pretty tough run. In my opinion, the games are going to be a lot more like Virginia Tech and Boston College than Duke and Missississippi State. Although I’d have to take Clemson out of that group. I can see this game going in some different ways, but the one thing is I’m not sure how Clemson puts up a lot of points on the board.
By GT_THWG
October 14, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
We’ll go to Death Valley and get all that Clemson is giving and then some. We want Clemson’s best shot so we can show the nation we’re serious. God knows Clemson has a lot to prove in this game. It’ll be a good one and I’m looking forward to it. It’s step up time for both programs.
By ugablows
October 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
i agree, unconvincedgtfan is a dawg, that or he’s a f’ng idiot that should be one
By GT
October 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I think we are looking at Clemson in a lost season. We are also looking at a defensive formation similar to the ones from Duke and GW. Stack the line and force Tech to pass. CPJ is no fool, I see Tech blowing it wide open early and often. CPJ just about wrote Clemson’s game plan for them and without a seasoned coach at its helm Clemson will feed right into it. We are watching a genius at work here in Atlanta; enjoy it he won’t finish his career here.
By BAMA STAN
October 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, I like GT but let’s look at this game a little more closely, shall we? Is it that big of a game? Are the two teams even rated in the Top 25? The SEC is where it’s at and my team has already thumped the daylights out of one of the contenders. I’ll just close by stating that it is an ACC game and I won’t even waste my time to watch it. Good luck, GT.
By Terry
October 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Obviously, if the O line does not show up, there are more 3 and out’s or worse and the D line is on the field longer.
If the O line plays like last week and we don’t have #1 or #2 QB, then we are whipped. I think Clemson’s offense will be better than GW’s, thus will score more points.
I think the missing QB and players not getting ready for the game is what killed us last week. Hopefully this week the players are focused and Nesbitt or Shaw are back.
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!
By hem o'roid
October 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
HEY CLIMPSON IS A RED NECK SCHOOL—-I loved your song ” doo da “. I’m still singing it. Maybe after the game we can get a choral group to perform this. Thanks for a great laugh! Hem
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 14, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Since Clempson is in so much turmoil, it will give the pollsters another reason not to rank us after we beat them 27-13.
After last week, and this week of CPJ practice, I think our OL will have their best game of the year.
By gtforever
October 14, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
If we don’t play 150 percent better against Clemson, we will get hammered. Coach or NO coach! We have 1 QB who has not taken a “live” snap in 2 weeks, and we have a freshman who has been out for one full week. I don’t feel good about the offense especially after this last GW fiasco.
By GTYJ
October 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
GT will roll. Who cares if Korn can run a little. He’ll be running straight into the number one defense in tackles for loss, and a defense that has already faced more mobile QBs.
Offense will be fine with nesbitt and shaw back.
By clemson
October 14, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Ahh, it’s Clemson week, my favorite rivalry. This rivalry is so good it needs a name. Just think about the recent history in this series…2000 Tech ends Clemson’s undefeated season with a last second TD in Death Valley…2001 Clemson ruins our undefeated season in overtime (was that the last time Tech was ranked in the Top 10?)…2004 “A legend is born in Calvin Johnson!”…2006 Blowout with College Gameday on campus in Clemson…2007 10-9 defensive struggle Tech upsets Clemson at Bobby Dodd. The most underrated rivalry in the South, I love it.
By That_Guy
October 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
2007 was 13-3 GT. Defensive struggle still, but double check your numbers next time.
As for this year, GT wins by 2 TDs in this one. Last week was a trap game with our 2 starting QBs out. We played the triple option without a mobile QB. GW was able to play the dive and pitch and still tackle the QB by getting off blocks or coming from the backside. Clemson won’t be able to do that with Nesbitt running the keeper.
By GT Athletic Supporter
October 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Larry, with all due respect, and I do appreciate your fine coverage of GT football, I don’t believe there is anything positive that comes from “pitting” one part of our team against the other. We had enough of that under Gailey. To suggest that one group is strong and has to cover for a weaker group only breeds divisiveness. Isn’t there something more positive and cohesive that you could write about?
By Larry Hartstein
October 14, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
GT Athletic Supporter — No intent to be divisive. Just interesting when one line is the unquestioned strength of the team and the other has been, at times, a weakness.
Update from practice: Josh Nesbitt was a full go, had no problems with the hammy. Today was a key day because it’s a major gameplanning day, as opposed to Monday which is mainly special teams and conditioning.
By clemson?
October 14, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
ill take D-MO and MJ in a 40 over korn ANY DAY
try escapin when d-ends run untouched right past your fata$$ linemen that cant move and CRUSH the frosh… bad game to start korn
THWG go TECH
By SOME EXPERIENCE
October 14, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
i currently run the option at my high school millard north (omaha, NE) and trust me there are days when certain players, or the whole team, can read the backfeild action very well to shut it down. Most defense or defensive players cant becuz the mesh with the B back and QB shoud be in about .7 of a second so if there is someone on there heels or confused they dont have enough time to recover. However if the defense has momentum and there into it it can be stopped.
If you can come out and have your most physical drive and punch it in for a score on the first series it completely changes how well the option will work the rest of the game becuase ppl get frustrated and end up over pusuiting and not accounting for there man. Thats when you get the home runs like weve seen from georgia tech this year but you have to start out VERY VERY physical not only upfront but with your skill backs.
By Paddy
October 14, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
The QB in this Tech offense makes all the difference. Should have another 300+ day rushing. KORN DAWG priceless…
By StingDoc
October 14, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
BAMA STAN said: “I’ll just close by stating that it is an ACC game and I won’t even waste my time to watch it.”
FYI, I’ll repeat an earlier post: It’s amazing that the 11 team “weak” ACC has more players drafted by the NFL the past 3 years including the Top 3 than the “mighty” 12 Team SEC!
By Buzzfan1936
October 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Larry Hartstein wrote: “Update from practice: Josh Nesbitt was a full go, had no problems with the hammy.”
THAT’S THE BEST NEWS I’VE HEARD TODAY!!
By Buzz29
October 14, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Sorry but I don’t see Clemson scoring or GT losing another game. GT 20 Clemson 0 13-1 at the end of the year.
By donavon
October 15, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
All my friends are raggin me about a 10-7 win over G.W.. All I can say is “A win is a win dose not matter ugly or not its a win.” G.W. plays D-II ball and sees lot more of the wish-bone, option. More than they see in D-I.. I see a 13-1 record but still needs more work..
By addicted
October 15, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
The only reason we lost to VT was because Tyrod Taylor was playing RB all day, but the refs pretended he was standing in the pocket waiting to pass even when he was lunging down the sideline to gain extra yards.
By addicted
October 15, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
The only reason we lost to VT was because Tyrod Taylor was playing RB all day, but the refs pretended he was standing in the pocket waiting to pass even when he was lunging down the sideline to gain extra yards.
By GT90
October 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
this game will come down to emotions, emotions, and emotions. Which Clemson team shows up? And how quickly Nesbitt can knock off the rust and execute w/out too many turnovers. That’s my fear. I say we should rotate Shaw and Nesbitt every other series just to keep the defense on it heels.
Doesn’t matter how bad things are w/ the Tigers. This is a home game after the firing of their coach. Will they let out all the stops and rally or will the sulk. It will probably be the loudest game we play in this year b/c the fans will be “fired” up (no pun intended).
I don’t like this game at all. Not at all. Thankfully, it is a noon start (isn’t it?) Half the crowd will be asleep for at leaast the first quarter.