AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 27
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fumbilitis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tech’s 24-17 loss on Saturday came down to many things:
The defense allowing Virginia to convert 11 of 18 third downs.
The Cavaliers taking advantage of Tech’s undermanned secondary.
Cedric Peerman breaking lots of tackles.
Four drive-killing sacks.
And yes, questionable officiating. The most egregious non-call came on Virginia’s 34-yard TD pass from Marc Verica to Maurice Covington, which put the Cavaliers up 17-14. Michael Johnson was grabbed from behind after beating his man; Johnson had a clear path to the QB.
All of these were significant. But when you look at the season as a whole, no issue has cropped up as often as fumbilitis.
With two fumbles Saturday, both by QB Josh Nesbitt, Tech has lost 14 this season.
Here is the bottom of the NCAA rankings for lost fumbles:
Nevada 12
Michigan 13
Georgia Tech 14
Wyoming 14
Army 17
So Tech is tied for 117th in the nation.
Now here’s a breakdown of Tech’s lost fumbles:
Nesbitt has 5
Jonathan Dwyer has 3
Roddy Jones, Jaybo Shaw, Marcus Wright, Tyler Melton, Bryce Dykes and James Liipfert have one apiece.
(Incidentally, Tech has recovered 8 fumbles and FSU, which visits Saturday, has recovered 7).
Asked how he would address the issue before FSU, CPJ said: “Tell them to stop. I really don’t know what else you do.”
I’m sure it will get more specific than that in practice this week.
Do you think Tech will correct the problem or will it keep haunting the Jackets?
