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October 2008
View from Tallahassee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To keep its ACC title hopes alive, Georgia Tech must beat Florida State. The Seminoles are ranked No. 15 in the BCS, and they’re the first ranked team Tech has faced all season. The Jackets, coming off their first home loss, are a slight 2 1/2 point favorite.
Corey Clark, of the Tallahassee Democrat, answered six questions in advance of Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Bobby Dodd Stadium:
What’s the biggest difference between this year’s FSU team and the mediocre versions of the past few years? Is FSU back?
They’re winning close games. That’s the bottom line. Of the 17 losses Florida State had in the previous three years, 15 of them were decided in the fourth quarter. When the game was on the line and the outcome was in doubt, the Seminoles just weren’t making those clutch, late-game plays that good teams make. Now they are. During this current winning streak, FSU has put together big drives in the fourth quarter to either win games or cement them. Quarterback Christian Ponder isn’t the next Charlie Ward or Chris Weinke, but he has shown an uncanny ability to play his best when it matters the most.
As far as FSU being back? Slow down, big guy. I don’t think the Seminoles are close to where they were in the late 1990s, but this program is definitely on the upswing again. After 17 losses in three years, the players are starting to believe they are supposed to win again. And that’s huge for a team with so many underclassmen.
Can the Seminoles’ young offensive line handle Tech’s strength, a D-line featuring ends Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan?
Probably not. There’s no shame in that, though. I don’t know if the 49ers could handle that front four. What FSU will have to do is move Ponder around and not just let him sit back in the pocket as a bunch of true freshmen try to block guys that will be playing on Sundays next year.
I think Ponder’s mobility will be a key. He ran for 144 yards against Miami’s defense and has made big plays with his feet all year. If he can make a couple of long runs early in the game, that might slow down Tech’s pass rush just enough for the Seminoles to make some plays downfield in the passing game.
What is RB Antone Smith’s status for the game and is he the key to FSU’s offense?
Antone Smith plans on playing. He injured his elbow and his ribs in the win over Virginia Tech, but said he expects to be ready to go by Saturday. And they’ll need him because he is playing, by far, the best football of his career. He is running harder than he ever has and seems to have an extra burst through the line of scrimmage - provided there is a hole. He’s not going to bounce off people like Jonathan Dwyer will, but he has enough speed to run by anyone on the field. I don’t know if he’s the key to the offense or not, but it might not be a coincidence that the one game FSU lost this season (12-3 to Wake Forest) was the game in which Smith had just eight carries for 24 yards.
There’s been talk that FSU’s speedy, aggressive defense could get caught overpursuing and be burned by the triple option at times. Is that a real concern?
Honestly, I think the biggest concern is the interior of FSU’s line being able to slow down Dwyer. I think FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will have his linebackers and D-ends coached up well enough that they’ll stay with their assignements and not be too aggressive. But the interior of FSU’s line was gashed in the first half against NC State and also gave up a couple of big runs to Virginia Tech. If the Seminoles’ D-tackles can’t get a push at the line of scrimmage, then Dwyer could have a very big afternoon.
Talk about Ponder’s development and whether you expect D’Vontrey Richardson to play some as well.
Ponder is coming along. He’s not a great passer yet by any means. But he also seems to make big throws when it counts - it doesn’t hurt to have a 6-foot-6 Greg Carr at wide receiver either. When in doubt, he can just drop back, loft a pass down the sideline and say “go get it big fella.” And the big fella usually does. What’s been most encouraging for FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is the fact that Ponder hasn’t thrown an interception in either of the last two games - after throwing six combined against Wake, Colorado and Miami.
As for Richardson, I’m not sure he’ll play or not. They might have him come in for a play or two like they did against Virginia Tech (he finished with four rushes for 21 yards), but I don’t think he’ll get any extended time unless Ponder gets banged up.
Who has been most responsible for FSU’s incredible third-down defensive stats? CPJ was blown away by that stat.
Yeah, what they’ve been doing is pretty amazing. I don’t remember a team, at any level, allowing just 17 percent on third-down conversions halfway through the season. It’s unreal. Virginia Tech was struggling so much in the second half last week, I half expected them to start punting on third downs. It would’ve saved time anyway. As for why FSU is so good on third down, I’m just not real sure quite frankly. Andrews does like to blitz, which obviously hurries everything. But I think the biggest thing is what they do on first and second downs. The FSU defense is always one of the leaders in the nation in tackles for loss and that can put intense pressure on an offense when it’s facing third-and-11 or third-and-14.
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Do you like shorter games?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech had just nine possessions against UVA.
One reason was the Cavaliers’ ability to control the ball (34:18 to 25:42 edge in time of possession).
Another reason is the change in NCAA rules.
Trying to shorten games, the NCAA this year changed the timing rule when a ballcarrier goes out of bounds. The game clock stops only temporarily now — it starts again on a signal from the referee. The only exceptions are the last two minutes of each half.
The other major change is the 40/25 second system. After a play ends, the offense has 40 seconds to snap the ball. The play clock is set at 25 seconds after injuries, penalties, change of possession and other administrative stoppages. In the past, offenses had 25 seconds to run a play, but the play clock didn’t start until the ref’s signal.
Taken together, the effect has been shorter games and fewer plays.
The NCAA News reported that games are averaging 3 hours, 8 minutes — compared to 3 hours, 22 minutes last year. And the total number of plays has dropped from 143 to 135.
CPJ came out against the rule changes before the season. He hasn’t wavered.
“What it does is it takes plays out of the game, and more so for teams that run the ball,” he said Wednesday. “The clock still stops on incomplete passes but it doesn’t stop anymore when a runner is out of bounds. We’re not as efficient here on offense either by a long way this year, but we’re probably running 10, 15 less plays a game.”
I remember when the NFL changed its out-of-bounds clock rule, and I hated it b/c it meant less football. (Though the NFL actually stops the clock the last 5 minutes of the game, not just the last 2).
Now the NCAA has followed suit. The changes aren’t as bad as the ones the NCAA instituted two years ago, which were deemed too drastic and overturned.
But fans are still getting less football for their money.
Do you want to go back to the old rules, or do you like shorter games?
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Key matchup
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tech’s defensive line, the team’s greatest strength, lost the battle up front against Virginia.
You know Michael Johnson, Vance Walker, Darryl Richard and Derrick Morgan, all NFL-caliber players, are eager to dominate once again. And they will have that opportunity against Florida State’s extremely young line.
The Seminoles start true freshmen at left tackle (Andrew Datko, 6-6, 276), right guard (David Spurlock, 6-5, 286) and right tackle (Zebrie Sanders, 6-5, 280). Center Ryan McMahon (6-3, 282) and left guard Rodney Hudson (6-2, 282) are highly regarded sophomores. They’ll get help from a massive tight end, junior Caz Piurowski (6-7, 275).
This article by my friend Corey Clark, formerly of the Gwinnett Daily Post, gives us a better look at that talented but green offensive line.
It should be noted that FSU has given up just 12 sacks this season, tied for fourth-fewest in the ACC.
Tech managed just one sack last week and generally failed to make Virginia QB Marc Verica uncomfortable in the pocket.
FSU’s Christian Ponder is more mobile — he ran for 144 yards against Miami — and has made big plays with his feet all season. Regardless, Tech must ratchet up the pressure and harass Ponder in order to win.
Coming off their worst showing in ACC play thus far, I expect the D-linemen to bring it.
What kind of performance do you expect?
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Vintage FSU defense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech looks to get its offense back on track after scoring three points in the final three quarters Saturday.
It won’t be easy against FSU, ranked No. 15 in the BCS. The Seminoles’ defensive numbers are striking.
The Seminoles boast the ACC’s top rushing defense (79.9 yards per game). They allow the fewest total yards (247.3 per game). They allow 16.6 points per game, third-fewest in the league.
After sacking Virginia Tech QBs six times on Saturday, FSU has 22 sacks this season. That’s one more than Georgia Tech and one fewer than ACC leader Virginia, which took the top spot by sacking Josh Nesbitt four times on Saturday.
FSU’s junior defensive end, Everette Brown, had three sacks against the Hokies. Safety Myron Rolle, corner Tony Carter (9 career INTs), MLB Derek Nicholson and LB Toddrick Verdell also are standouts.
Bobby Bowden (12-0 alltime against Georgia Tech) spoke to the Tallahassee Democrat about the challenge of facing Tech’s offense.
After practice Monday, CPJ made it clear that the offensive struggle on Saturday stemmed from a bunch of factors, not just fumbles. He talked about missed blocks, dropped passes and penalties, to name a few.
Assuming the defense bounces back — Saturday was the first time Tech gave up more than 20 points — the Jackets won’t need an offensive explosion. But they will need to execute a lot better and take care of the football.
Can they do it against this FSU defense?
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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?
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The streak is over
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With a chance to take control of the Coastal Division, Tech turned in a terrible second half.
The Jackets’ win streak ended thanks to three second-half turnovers. Josh Nesbitt fumbled twice and he was picked off on Tech’s final drive.
Tech jumped out to a 14-3 lead. Roddy Jones and Jonathan Dwyer did almost all the work on the first drive, and Nesbitt cashed in with a 1-yard keeper. Following yet another pick by the incomparable Morgan Burnett (6th of the season, 9th career), the Jackets went for the jugular. Nesbitt hit Demaryius Thomas for 42 yards on play action, and Dwyer scored from 3 yards out.
But the Cavaliers answered right away. Tech had major problems stopping screens and dumpoffs in the flat, and QB Marc Verica kept exploiting it. CB Rashaad Reid was victimized on Verica’s 14-yard TD pass to Kevin Ogletree. The true freshman never got his head turned around, and it was 14-10.
Dominique Reese’s spectacular interception — he wrestled the ball away from Ogletree — prevented UVA from taking the lead. Tech took a 14-10 lead into the lockerroom.
Tech had a nice drive going to start the third, but Nesbitt fumbled a snap near midfield and Virginia took over. Verica again picked on Reid, hitting 6-foot-4 Maurice Covington for a 34-yard touchdown. The Jackets thought Michael Johnson got held on the play, but no flag was thrown.
It was 17-14 UVA, and Tech had generated little pass rush.
Roddy Jones’ 29-yard punt return got Tech moving again, but the Jackets squandered 1st-and-goal when Nesbitt fumbled again.
Michael Johnson, after a frustrating day, beat Eugene Monroe and stripped the ball from Verica, Derrick Morgan recovering at the UVA 31.
On 4th and 7 from the 28, CPJ kept the field-goal team on the sideline instead of going for the tie. Nesbitt scrambled for 16.
But when Nesbitt took a sack on third down, Scott Blair drilled a 39-yarder to tie it up w/ 7:34 left.
Cedric Peerman, who had a huge game, ripped off a 31-yard run. On 3rd and 8 from the 11, he turned the corner and got a first down at the 3. Tech challenged the spot, to no avail. Peerman stiff-armed Reid for a touchdown on the next play. It was 24-17 with 3:29 left.
Tech’s final drive came down to 4th-and-6 from its own 45. Nesbitt hit Thomas to move the chains.
But Nesbitt was picked off on the next play, and Tech’s four-game win streak had come to an end.
The defense had one of its poorest games, but this one was on the offense. Tech scored 3 points in the second half as Nesbitt turned the ball over three times.
What disappointed you most about this performance?
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The view from Charlottesville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This game will go a long way toward determining the ACC’s Coastal Division winner. Tech enters at 3-1, Virginia 2-1. (Virginia Tech also is 2-1 and plays at FSU Saturday night).
The Jackets have won four straight, while the Cavaliers have won three in a row.
Jay Jenkins, of The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, was gracious enough to answer five questions about UVA and this matchup.
Was coach Al Groh’s job in actual jeopardy earlier this season? How about now?
Sitting at 1-3 and on the heels of a disappointing loss to Duke, Virginia coach Al Groh was certainly sitting on the hot seat. Losing to Duke, in the eyes of the Virginia faithful, was not acceptable. It had been four years since the Blue Devils actually beat an ACC foe.
Throw in the off-the-field problems that the Cavaliers coaching staff endured and there was ample reason to think Groh”s time at his alma mater was coming to a quick end. Yet magically, in Groh-like fashion, he seems to coach his best football with his back against the wall - the naysayers were silenced with the current three-game winning streak.
Making it to a bowl game, which would require two more wins, would likely buy Groh another year, but another loss to in-state rival Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale would make it an interesting $6 million decision for the movers and shakers.
What are the biggest reasons for UVA’s turnaround?
It is tough to point to one thing in particular, but having a resolution to the saga that surrounded former starting quarterback Pete Lalich certainly helped the program move forward. To say the least, the circus-like atmosphere was chaotic for all involved. With Lalich now at Oregon State, Virginia turned to sophomore Marc Verica, who has been efficient of late, passing for over 200 yards in three straight games.
Verica’s emergence happened to coincide with the improved play from the Cavaliers’ inexperienced offensive line and the healthy return of tailback Cedric Peerman. Austin Pasztor, a 17-year-old from Canada, was inserted at left guard, and when coupled with left tackle Eugene Monroe the duo provided running room for Peerman, who has scored four touchdowns in the past two games.
The infusion of youth on the defensive side of the ball in nickel and dime packages should not be overlooked, too. The youngsters promptly made Virginia’s defense faster in third-down situations.
Talk about Verica’s development. What is he doing better now?
After throwing four interceptions in the second half at Duke, it is safe to say that Verica is doing just about everything better.
His teammates have raved about his poise in the huddle. The coaches have praised his maturity. Fans have simply loved his humble approach to his high-profile position in the program.
Verica was sporadic early in his career throwing the football consistently. His best throws were sensational. His worst throws were wounded ducks. The right-hander has found a happy medium during the past three games.
How good is the O-line and can it hold up against Tech’s outstanding D-line?
That is likely where the game will be won or lost for Virginia. Monroe is all but a lock to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and right tackle Will Barker has improved of late, but the interior three on the offensive line have not faced anything comparable to what they will see on Saturday since the season-opening contest against Southern California.
Look for Virginia to keep fullback Rashawn Jackson in the backfield to help buy time for Verica. The Cavaliers will have a tough time winning on the road if Georgia Tech finishes at or above its average of nine tackles for loss.
I imagine the linebackers are the strength of the team. Tell me a little about them and the challenge they face in stopping Tech’s option-based offense.
The biggest problem is the unfamiliarity with the system, which has likely been the case for practically every opponent Georgia Tech has faced this season. Virginia has not prepared for a triple option offense during Al Groh’s tenure.
Virginia inside linebacker Antonio Appleby is listed as doubtful with a high ankle sprain, and if he is unable to play his loss could be magnified this week. Appleby is much quicker than Jon Copper, his counterpart in the middle in the Cavaliers 3-4 defense.
Outside linebacker Clint Sintim is one of the best in the ACC and is the heart and soul of the defense, but Georgia Tech may elect to attack Virginia on the opposite side where Denzel Burrell starts.
Regardless of the linebackers employed, tackling upon first contact will be imperative for Virginia. Far too many times this season a defensive player has allowed an opponent to escape and gain additional yardage.
Your thoughts?
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Sizable challenge against UVa
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s what Tech is up against Saturday:
Bookend 6-foot-7 defensive ends (Can you imagine going against two Michael Johnsons? Not saying these guys, senior Alex Field and redshirt freshman Matt Conrath, are in his class, by the way.)
An outside linebacker CPJ called “NFL-sized.” He’s referring to ACC sacks leader Clint Sintim, who is 6-3, 254.
Virgina’s O-line also is beefy: four 300-plus pounders and a 290-pound center. The Cavaliers have a 6-foot-7 right tackle and a 6-6 left tackle, Eugene Monroe, who will be a high NFL draft pick.
Speaking of the defensive line, CPJ said, “These guys are tall and big and cover a lot of space.”
VIrginia has held three of its last four opponents — Duke, Maryland and East Carolina — under 100 yards rushing.
Of course it would be surprising, and probably a loss, if Tech doesn’t manage at least 150 on the ground. The Jackets are committed to it and CPJ has shown he will keep running until Tech breaks one. Tech is averaging 248 rushing yards, ninth-most in the nation.
Player after player has told us about the benefits of patience. They keep running the option and eventually someone goes for 30, 40 or all the way. The guess is that patience will be required again Saturday.
Tech isn’t likely to run right through a defense like this. The question is, can the Jackets hit enough plays to win?
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Midseason awards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re seven games through the season, but only halfway through the ACC schedule. Tech is 3-1 with four ACC games left.
For their work to this point, these guys get my midseason awards:
Offense: B-back Jonathan Dwyer — Five 100-yard rushing games already. Leads the ACC with 684 rushing yards. Averaging 6.3 yards a carry. Also has a 79-yard TD catch and a 52-yard kickoff return.
CPJ said Tuesday that Dwyer is playing too many snaps. He wants to get Dwyer some rest, but injuries and lack of depth have made that impossible.
Others considered: LT Andrew Gardner, WR Demaryius Thomas
Defense: DE Derrick Morgan — This was an almost impossible decision given how loaded the defense is. Morgan gets the nod because he plays the run and pass equally well. The sophomore leads the team with 6.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. His 29 tackles rank fourth on the team.
Others considered: S Morgan Burnett, DT Vance Walker, DE Michael Johnson.
Special teams: Another tough one, but for a different reason. Is it Scott Blair because of his strong punting, his improvement on field goals, the touchdown-saving tackle against Clemson? Or maybe a guy like Jake Blackwood (11 tackles), who blew up a Clemson kickoff return.
I’m going to leave it open and see what you all think.
Rookie: A-back Roddy Jones — The redshirt freshman has scored 3 TDs. He’s averaging 5.7 yards per carry and a whopping 31.5 yards on four catches. He’s also the new punt returner. CPJ said he likes the way Jones runs north and south.
Others considered: QB Jaybo Shaw, LB Kyle Jackson
What do you think of these selections?
On an unrelated note, this site dedicated to Al Groh is pretty entertaining.
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Quick hits
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things on my mind today…..
1) After facing a highly-motivated team trying to win for their new coach, Tech faces a highly-motivated team trying to save their coach’s job. Here’s an article that speaks to the Cavaliers’ strong bond with Al Groh.
2) Georgia Tech is 5-0 against the spread this year (there was no spread for the games against I-AA teams). The Jackets have consistently outperformed public expectations. Looks like Vegas is trying to catch up. Oddsmakers installed Tech as 11- to 12-point favorites against UVA, despite the fact that the Cavaliers have pulled off three straight upsets.
3) The good news for Tech is that this game is at home. The Jackets have won their two home games against D-I opponents by a combined 65-7.
UVA, meanwhile, has been terrible on the road this year, losing 45-10 at UConn and 31-3 at Duke. But as this article points out, the Cavaliers are a much different team now. UVA is riding high after its third straight win, a dramatic OT victory over North Carolina.
4) Rashaad Reid should do fine replacing Jahi Word-Daniels at corner. The true freshman has played in every game, and he’s got 2 picks and 3 tackles for loss. But who will replace Reid in the nickel package? Tech has been using 5 DBs a lot.
Coordinator Dave Wommack said the options are DeRon Jasper, a redshirt sophomore out of Dunwoody, or moving free safety Dominique Reese down in nickel situations. (Cooper Taylor then slides in for Reese).
“We’ve got to cross-train them, we’re getting so thin,” Wommack said.
Tech also is losing a lot of leadership with Word-Daniels out, Wommack said.
5) We’ll have a ticket update later this week, but what kind of crowd do you expect Saturday? Will it be another crowd in the 40s or will Bobby Dodd be close to full (55K) for this surprising, nationally-ranked team that leads the ACC?
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25 exhiliarating hours
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I imagine Tech fans enjoyed the weekend.
Start with Tech’s 21-17 win in Death Valley Saturday afternoon. Sure it wasn’t pretty, but it was the second time this season Tech rallied in the fourth quarter to win an ACC road game. And QB Josh Nesbitt, in his first action since the Sept. 20 hamstring strain, looked better as the game progressed.
Then you watch B.C. hang an “L” on Virginia Tech Saturday night. The 28-23 loss not only elevates the Jackets into first place in the Coastal; it exposes the Hokies’ offensive woes. They return two picks for TDs and still can’t win.
Wake up Sunday, and soon the AP media and USA Today coaches polls come out. Tech makes the rankings for the first time this season, landing at No. 21. (Which by the way is the highest of any ACC team).
Later the BCS standings come out and Tech ranks even higher: No. 18.
All of that happened in about 25 hours. When is the last time the Tech program had a day like that?
Injuries might have dampened the enthusiasm. Hope to get updates today on Jahi Word-Daniels, A.J. Smith and Tyler Melton.
So what do you think was the weekend’s most significant development, and why?
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Comeback in Death Valley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This was an important comeback win for Tech, and redemption for Demaryius Thomas.
The wideout dropped what would have been a 47-yard TD pass early in the fourth quarter, with Tech trailing 17-14. He made up for it later with a huge 3rd-down conversion along the sideline, then the game-winning 24-yard TD catch with just over five minutes left.
Tech’s defense did the rest. Jackets 21, Tigers 17.
Tech’s defense had its way at the start. These were Clemson’s first four possessions:
Three-and-out
Three-and-out
Interception
Interception
Dominique Reese’s 34-yard interception for a touchdown gave Tech a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. It came on a trick play, an end-around pass by WR Tyler Grishman. That was Clemson’s first pass by a non-quarterback in three years; it might be another three before the Tigers try it again.
The next pick came on a major-league pop fly. Derrick Morgan hit Willy Korn’s arm as he threw, and the ball floated to CB Rashaad Reid. But the Jackets stalled and Scott Blair missed a 50-yard field goal.
Clemson got on the board with a 40-yard field goal after Tech failed on a fake punt.
Tech’s offense didn’t get going until late in the first half. Jonathan Dwyer’s 31-yard run off left tackle — on 3rd-and-16 — sparked an 80-yard TD drive.
Josh Nesbitt scored from 5 yards out after a beautiful fake up the middle to Dwyer. Two or three Tigers went to tackle Dwyer. It was 14-3 at the half.
Clemson pulled within 14-10 on Aaron Kelly’s 32-yard TD catch. Jahi Word-Daniels had close coverage but pulled a hamstring, leaving Kelly wide open. Word-Daniels did not return.
Kelly took a screen pass 31 yards for the go-ahead score late in the third quarter.
Then Nesbitt and Thomas hooked up twice, and Tech improved to 6-1, 3-1 in the ACC.
A number of Jackets stepped up.
Blair saved a touchdown by tackling Marcus Gilchrist on a kickoff return at the Tech 39. Morgan Burnett outfought Jacoby Ford for an interception (his 7th career pick) right before halftime. Griffin forced the first interception and had a big third-down sack.
What impressed you the most about this performance?
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The view from Clemson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Larry Williams, Clemson beat writer from The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, found time this week to answer five questions about Saturday’s game.
What is the atmosphere/mood around the Tigers now?
I think the team feels rejuvenated, but I’m not sure it’s unanimous because it’s clear some players — tailback James Davis among them — thought Tommy Bowden shouldn’t have been forced out. Also, Cullen Harper’s alleged comment about Bowden deserving his fate caused quite a stir among the staff and team. Still, it appears the offense is really excited about the prospect of a more aggressive philosophy. Former offensive coordinator Rob Spence, fired Monday by interim coach Dabo Swinney, caused a lot of frustration with his reluctance to take more shots downfield. Swinney is a charismatic guy who will have his players whipped into a frenzy by the time they reach the top of the hill Saturday.
How much disarray is the O-line in?
Pronounced disarray. Injuries have decimated this crew, which entered the season with very little experience in the first place. Guard has been the hardest hit. Bobby Hutchinson, a former student assistant who really shouldn’t be playing regularly at this level, has been forced into a prominent role the past two games. Right guard Mason Cloy suffered a knee injury against Wake Forest but should go Saturday. Fourth-year junior Cory Lambert, who’d moved from tackle to guard before the Wake Forest game, suffered a foot injury against the Deacs and will be limited at best. The Tigers seem OK at tackle with Chris Hairston and Landon Walker, but we’ll see if they can handle Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan.
What do you expect from Willy Korn? (With Cullen Harper now scheduled to have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, it looks like Korn will go the whole way).
I’m not sure what the coaches expect from Korn. I asked an assistant two days ago how Korn has looked in practice and he said “like a redshirt freshman.” I think they’re high on Korn’s future, but it’s hard to get a read on how he’ll react Saturday in his first college start. The main reason they elevated him to the starting role was because his mobility can help negate some of the protection problems on the offensive line. But can he read a defense? Can he muscle in a slant or thread a corner-post? Not sure about that.
Can you give me an example of the hype that has surrounded Willy Korn since he committed?
Let’s put it this way: Early last year, Harper threw five touchdowns in a game and played flawlessly. Korn entered the game in mop-up duty, and the fans reacted as if Danny Ford was back on the sidelines. There’s a lot of affinity for this kid because he’s the local hero, and a highly coveted recruit who committed to Clemson very early in the recruiting process. There’s a segment of fans who’ve been calling for Korn since the start of last season, even during periods when Harper was flourishing.
Can the starting offensive tackles block Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan?
Boy, not sure about that one. Clemson’s tackles really struggled last week with Wake Forest’s Matt Robinson. Robinson is a very good player, but he’s no Michael Johnson. Hairston is still recovering from a badly bruised knee, and Walker is a redshirt freshman who’s had his ups and downs thus far. If the Tigers are going to throw downfield with regularity, these guys are going to need some help with pass protection.
Interesting stuff from Williams. What struck you most?
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Looking ahead
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t know if you read today’s story reviewing the first half and previewing the second half, but there was one thing I didn’t include that I wanted to mention.
It’s been overlooked a little that kicker Scott Blair is on something of a roll. After starting out the season 1-for-5, he’s made five out of his last five. I don’t think we’re ready to call him the next Jan Stenerud, but it’s a good bit of progress considering all the hand-wringing after the way he (and snapper Bret White and holder Chandler Anderson) started.
The biggest reason it hasn’t gotten much notice, of course, is that he hasn’t had to make one with the game on the line. His only field goal against Virginia Tech was early, then came the Mississippi State and Duke blowouts, and then his field goal against Gardner-Webb (which proved to be the difference) was in the second quarter with the score 7-0.
I imagine Tech coaches would feel a little more comfortable if Blair had connected on something in the 40’s - his longest make this year is 32. Regardless, you have to think that, at some point, the Jackets are going to need him to come through with some points, and the team is more confident in him - and he in himself - than a month ago.
Said Blair last Saturday, “The chemistry has gotten a whole lot better, the timing is really good and I feel really confident.”
In your estimation, what player or unit has come the farthest thus far this season?
(this is totally unrelated, but i looked a little at that link about Jan Stenerud. I think I knew the story but it’s amazing to read again. He’s Norwegian and went to Montana State on a skiiing scholarship. The baseball coach happened to see him kicking a football and told the football coaches, and he went on to become the first pure kicker to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s a rather remarkable “What if?” story.)
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Chasing the Hokies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some might find it hard to believe after last Saturday, but Sports Illustrated still has the Jackets ranked in its Top 25.
But what I really want to talk about is one of CPJ’s comments at his Tuesday news conference: Tech can’t afford to lose another game. OK, not a shocker, but he was talking specifically about the conference race.
The loss to Virginia Tech still bothers him. CPJ said he gets excited about a win for 45 minutes, but the losses linger.
Especially that 20-17 loss, because of what it means in the Coastal Division race. The Hokies are 2-0, Tech is 2-1. Because of that head-to-head loss, the Jackets must win out and hope the Hokies lose twice.
While Virginia Tech has won five straight since losing its opener to East Carolina, the Hokies are still a very young team facing a difficult upcoming schedule.
Here’s what Va. Tech has left: Saturday night at Boston College (4-1)
Oct. 25 at Florida State (4-1)
Nov. 6 vs. Maryland (4-2)
Nov. 13 at Miami (3-3)
Nov. 22 vs. Duke (3-2)
Nov. 29 vs. Virginia (3-3)
The Hokies certainly could lose two of their next four, couldn’t they?
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One 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?
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Next up for Tech: Either a meltdown or a tornado
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wow. So, who had Oct. 13 in the “When does Tommy Bowden get fired?” pool?
Hard to initially decipher what this will mean for Tech (although that won’t stop us from trying!).
It’s not clear who’s going to be the starting quarterback, senior Cullen Harper, who was demoted Friday after Clemson’s Thursday night loss to Wake, or redshirt freshman Willy Korn, whom Bowden elevated in Harper’s place.
That’s one factor. Harper is the far more experienced player and has plenty of track record (although he was 17-for-39 with one interception against Tech last year in a 13-3 Jackets win). Korn is faster and might give a boost to the Tigers, reeling at 3-3.
Another is that, simply, this makes it harder for Clemson to prepare. It can’t be easy to practice when the coach who has been running practice for the last nine years is suddenly gone. Coaches’ responsibilities change, game planning changes, all sorts of stuff.
On the other hand, Tech has more variables. Will interim coach Dabo Swinney change the game plan significantly? The Jackets defense may have to prepare for both Korn and Harper.
Further, who knows what sort of effect this will have on Clemson’s collective psyche. You can bet that Death Valley will have way more volume than it would have had Bowden still been on the sideline.
One guy who isn’t sad to see Bowden going is Harper, who told ESPN “it’s what he deserved.”
Yikes. Will the rest of the team respond with newfound energy or will they be in a fog after a week of wondering what’s going to happen.
One thing I think - Tech had better brace for anything in the first quarter. It’s not hard to imagine Clemson going for it all on its first play from scrimmage and causing Death Valley to go absolutely bananas.
The best thing that could possibly happen, certainly in any game but definitely this one, is for the defense to hold Clemson to three-and-out and then the Tech offense come back with a 12-play touchdown drive.
What do you think this means for Tech?
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What to do about the O-line?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CPJ indicated he might change personnel on the offensive line after Saturday’s near-disaster. The Jackets gained 1.7 yards per carry.
If the line can’t open holes against Gardner-Webb, how will it fare against Clemson, UVA, FSU, etc.?
Left tackle Andrew Gardner is a stud, but none of the other starters — left guard Cord Howard, center Dan Voss, right guard Joseph Gilbert and right tackle David Brown — has really stood out.
These backups saw action Saturday: A.J. Smith, Nick Folkner, Jason Hill, Austin Barrick and Nick Claytor.
Who would you like to see get a shot? Or would you rather stick with the starters and hope they improve?
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Lackluster performance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was probably a good thing this game wasn’t on TV.
If Georgia Tech was up for this game, it sure didn’t look like it. Granted, the Jackets played No. 3 QB Calvin Booker the whole way, except for a few snaps taken by No. 4 Bryce Dykes.
But 10-7 over Gardner Webb? Unbelievably, the Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game with 9 seconds left. But the 44-yard field goal try went wide left. Tech fans could finally relax.
When Dykes fumbled a snap late in the third quarter, Gardner-Webb took over at its 36. The defense rose up and drove the Bulldogs backwards. And the defense kept getting stops, including a huge sack by Derrick Morgan with Gardner-Webb in Tech territory.
It was all on the defense because Tech’s offense was totally out of rhythm.
The Bulldogs came in with one of the best run defenses in I-AA, and it was no fluke. They swarmed Jonathan Dwyer (except for his 79-yard catch and run in the first half) every time he carried it. Tech’s O-line got very little push.
Positives: By keeping out QBs Josh Nesbitt and Jaybo Shaw, who did not dress, the Jackets should have both available for next week’s game at Clemson.
In addition, Tech showed improvement on special teams. (Special teams were called out during the week). Tyler Melton had a couple nice punt returns, Scott Blair boomed a punt that was pinned inside the 5, and Blair also hit his fifth straight field goal.
But overall this was a subpar effort, and very nearly an embarrassing defeat.
How much does this performance concern you? Was it just an aberration?
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A guy who’s easy to root for
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Josh Nesbitt and Jaybo Shaw questionable for today’s game against Gardner-Webb, senior quarterback Calvin Booker should get a lot of playing time, and possibly start.
The opportunity is well-deserved.
Booker is — or was — a dropback passer completely ill-suited for CPJ’s option offense. He’s worked hard to adapt to the offense.
CPJ has remarked more than once how much he loves Booker’s attitude, and that it carries over to the rest of the team.
“The biggest thing for me is, what we’re doing here is bigger than me.” That was Booker’s comment to Ken Sugiura, and it sums up Booker’s approach.
It’s easy to root for a guy like that.
Would you like to see Booker play the whole game? Or do you want to see Nesbitt and Shaw? How about all three?
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Clemson impressions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday night was a great chance to watch Tech’s next ACC opponent: Clemson.
They say Tommy Bowden always wins the game he needs to win to avoid getting fired. Thursday’s visit to Wake Forest was supposedly another one of those do-or-die moments.
Well, it won’t be pretty around Clemson this week. The Demon Deacons won 12-7 and all but ended the Tigers’ chances of capturing the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Wake is 2-0, Clemson 1-2 in conference play.
The Tigers had negative yards of total offense well into the second quarter. They lost RB C.J. Spiller to a leg injury. They used all three of their timeouts early in the second half, leaving them with none when they needed them most.
They did play terrific red-zone defense most of the game.
But how can a team with so many offensive playmakers score 7 points? The line has a lot to do with it. Clemson has a huge line, but it’s not very effective. Only one O-lineman has started in the same spot all year. Wake Forest stuffed the run and frequently got good penetration up the middle. Did you see the sack in which Russell beat the center and the right guard?
That would seem to bode well for Vance Walker, Darryl Richard, etc.
We are bound to hear this all next week: Tech is facing a desperate team. True, the Tigers will be at home, but can they be any more desperate than they were against Wake?
There’s no question Clemson is very talented, but it seems like Tech will be catching the Tigers at a good time. You get the feeling that if the Tigers start slow the fans might vent their frustration.
Let me hear your impressions of Clemson’s performance last night.
And, do you think the Tigers’ troubles will play into Tech’s hands or not?
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Looking for improvement
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I imagine it will surprise none of you, but Paul Johnson is not taking this game lightly. I don’t think he sees this game any differently than a game against a I-A out-of-conference opponent and doesn’t want his players to, either.
“It’s like I told the guys on Monday, ‘Gardner-Webb will have good players. Everybody does,’” Johnson said at his press conference.
That said, it’s a game the Jackets should win, and handily.
Another thing Johnson said Tuesday: “Our big focus is on Georgia Tech and trying to make sure Georgia Tech gets better.”
Particularly offensively, coaches weren’t overly excited about how the Duke game played out. Remember that it turned out 27-0, but it was 3-0 at the half. The line had a lot of trouble blocking the way Johnson wanted them to; Jonathan Dywer made a lot of yards on his own. Tech’s 3.8 yards per carry average was its lowest of the season. While Jaybo Shaw and Demaryius Thomas connected for 230 yards, pass protection wasn’t great. I don’t know if you remember, but Shaw got drilled just after he released the pass to Thomas for the 88-yard touchdown.
On his radio show last night, Johnson said that, while Thomas made a lot of big plays, he also didn’t block well, and that is something, as you know, he’s been great at thus far.
Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary was hard-pressed to find positives and, you’ve probably heard (or, preferably, read) that special teams is not high on Johnson’s list right now. One reason Johnson gave is that special teams isn’t being coached well right now, which is the first time I can remember him saying something that pointed about the staff. (Granted, I’ve been around him for about six weeks and my memory isn’t that good.)
It might be hard to really judge improvement against a team that most likely will on the whole less talented, but is there a position group that you want to see make some strides Saturday?
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Backups get their shot
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A friend, a Chicagoan turned Atlantan turned New Yorker who follows the Jackets, reminded me that Tuesday was the 92nd anniversary of Georgia Tech’s 222-0 win over Cumberland.
Check out this amusing account of the massacre.
Not saying Saturday’s game against Gardner-Webb will be a blowout of epic proportions, but Tech should roll, giving us plenty of time to see some seldom-used players.
Two guys I’d like to see get an opportunity are strong-armed senior QB Calvin Booker and freshman A-back Marcus Wright.
Wright is a Parade All-American from Texas, a very quick running back who is expected to take off his redshirt. If that happens, he’ll become the seventh true freshman Tech has used this season.
So, which backups do you most want to see, and why?
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Excited or bored?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gardner-Webb plays in the Big South, and teams from that I-AA conference haven’t really scared the big boys this year.
Coastal Carolina lost 66-10 at Penn State. VMI lost 51-31 at Ohio. Charleston Southern lost 52-7 at Miami, 38-27 at Miami of Ohio.
Gardner-Webb played two I-A teams last season, losing 36-14 at Ohio and 31-15 at Mississippi State.
This year’s Runnin’ Bulldogs are 2-3, 0-1 in the Big South.
So this matchup lacks sizzle, to say the least.
(It should be noted that Tech scheduled Gardner-Webb only after Army pulled out of its contract a year ago. Tech was unable to schedule a I-A opponent because it couldn’t play the second game of a home-and-home before 2012.)
There are 24 players from Georgia on Gardner-Webb’s roster; you know they’ll be eager to make a good showing in Atlanta.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs bring a rush defense that ranks third nationally in I-AA (45.6 yards per game) and a passing offense that averages 224 yards per game.
But obviously, Tech should have its way with Gardner-Webb on Saturday.
CPJ says this week will test the maturity of his team. We’ll find out if Tech can maintain focus, keep building momentum. Not to mention stay healthy before Clemson.
But what about the fans: Can you get excited for a lesser opponent? Do you look at it as another chance to see your team grow, or a mere break between ACC games?
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Glaring omission
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s stipulate that Georgia Tech still must prove itself against the meat of the schedule, which starts Oct. 18 at Clemson.
Still, weren’t you surprised the Jackets didn’t crack the Top 25 in either the AP media or USA Today coaches’ polls? I was.
It’s not like Tech’s schedule has been unusually soft. The four D-I teams it has played — Boston College, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State and Duke — are a combined 13-8.
And the way Tech has been winning has been striking.
Tech just destroyed Miss. St. and Duke by a combined 65-7. Fans could have, probably would have, seen back-to-back shutouts if CPJ hadn’t pulled his starters against the Bulldogs.
ESPN’s ACC blogger, Heather Dinich, told me Tech is the best ACC team she’s seen this season.
Jeff Sagarin’s USA Today rankings put Tech at No. 11 in the nation — right between Texas Tech and Ohio State.
I’m guessing nearly every Tech fan believes the Jackets should be ranked by now.
My question is, Do you care what the polls say? Or are you content knowing Tech will get its due if it keeps winning?
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Duke no match for Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The defense was smothering. Jonathan Dwyer was overpowering. Demaryius Thomas was ridiculous. And Tech is 4-1, 2-1 in the ACC, after another dominating performance at home.
The final was 27-0.
Duke punted the first eight times it had the ball, then failed to convert a desperation 4th down.
With QB Josh Nesbitt sidelined, Dwyer and Thomas stepped up with their best games of the season.
Tech dominated time of possession throughout but led just 3-0 at halftime.
The Jackets wasted a beautiful opening drive when Jaybo Shaw and Dwyer failed to connect on a handoff and Duke recovered the fumble at its own 9.
But with Thomas catching five balls and Dwyer running for 101 yards in the first half alone, Tech kept moving the chains.
Tech went 1-for-2 on 4th downs in the half, then CPJ elected to kick a 20-yard field goal instead of going a third time.
CPJ wanted to go for it again on the first drive of the second half, but a false start on David Brown forced a punt.
No matter. The Blue Devils’ no-huddle offense couldn’t do anything against Tech’s defense. In fact, in the third quarter, Duke had minus 1 yard of total offense.
When Roddy Jones scored on a 4-yard TD run — following a pass interference call drawn by Thomas — to make it 10-0, the game was basically over. Duke might not have scored that many points in eight quarters against Tech.
The run defense was outstanding. And whenever Duke completed a quick out or a screen, the secondary was there to keep it to a minimal gain.
Tech should break into the Top 25 after this performance.
Duke has been a nice story this season. Tech looks like the real deal.
Your thoughts?
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3 impact players
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Beyond obvious choices like QB Jaybo Shaw, B-back Jonathan Dwyer and DE Michael Johnson, I’m picking these three Jackets to make a big impact on Saturday’s game against Duke.
DE Derrick Morgan: Michael Johnson is coming off a monster game (blocked FG, sack, 2 pass breakups, several big hits on QBs), and Duke coach David Cutcliffe just said he doesn’t think “there’s anybody that compares to him in the country.”
So we can expect Duke to double-team Johnson as much as possible. (Miss. St. often tried to block him one-on-one, and paid dearly). That will give Morgan, a sophomore who is tied for third in the ACC with three sacks, plenty of opportunities on the opposite side. Duke throws the ball 37 times per game, more than anyone Tech has faced.
A-back Greg Smith: Smith had his best game against Miss. St., running 3 times for 62 yards, including a 45-yard TD. Here’s what CPJ said about him afterward:
“He had a couple nice runs and I actually saw him stick his head in there and block a couple of guys, so that was good. Greg’s got a ton of ability. He’s got a lot of ability and we expect a lot of him.”
Sounds like if Smith continues to block well, he’ll get on the field more and get more touches.
S Morgan Burnett: He’s such a ball hawk (not to mention a sure tackler) and, as noted above, Duke is averaging 37 passes per game. Burnett has three picks this season, and he’s gotten his hands on a couple more.
Those are my choices. Who are yours, and why?
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Navy vs. Duke vs. Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry this is late. I just got back from breakfast at Waffle House. Before I get to the stuff I wanted to write about, here’s some extra stuff from talking to Jaybo yesterday. It’s not earth-shattering - he didn’t guarantee a win or anything, which I, as a reporter, would have appreciated - but hopefully interesting.
I asked if Paul Johnson and Brian Bohannon (the qb and B-backs coach) had put some extra pressure on him this week. He said no, but they did prep him. “Little stuff, check-wise, making sure I know that kind of stuff. I missed some stuff [Wednesday], so I’m glad I got [Thursday] to go ahead and polish up on everything. I guess you could say they turned it up on me a little bit, just making sure I know the little things, check-wise.”
On if he’d been told he’d be expected to start: “That’s just what I’ve been preparing myself for. I really haven’t heard anything, but I’m preparing myself for that. Josh hasn’t practiced and I had to be ready. I was just preparing myself that I was going to be the guy. So, I guess so. If it is on Saturday, then it is.”
I think he’ll be fine; having Johnson and Bohannon on his side will be fairly important, I think, as Duke will likely throw things at Tech that they didn’t against Navy.
Which gets me to my point. A big question this week is how much Duke’s having played Navy earlier this season will help Duke against Tech. One thing to consider is something David Cutcliffe said earlier this week, that one strength of option teams is they can often time get an early lead. That’s because opposing defenses need time to get adjusted to the speed of the option offense they’re facing because the scout team they’ve prepared against can’t run it like Tech or Navy can.
It bears out, as Tech has outscored its opposition 38-3 in the first quarter. The first quarter is Tech’s higher scoring quarter thus far, by a touchdown over the fourth. Navy scored on four of its first six possessions against Duke earlier this season but could only score once in its last seven. Duke won 41-31 - it was the most points Duke has given up this season. In fact, of those six that it didn’t score, it went three-and-out or four-and-out on five of those possessions (not counting the last drive of the game when the clock ran out on them).
So you have to think that Duke might require less “adjustment time” in the game than against Navy because the Devils saw the same offense less than a month ago, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they worked on it some during their off week before they played Virginia. However, Cutcliffe also acknowledged that while Navy and Tech run the same offense, Tech is, not surprisingly, more talented. Further, he said of Paul Johnson that “I don’t think there’s anybody that knows that offense as well as he does.”
What do you think?
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Michael Tauiliili
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Aside from being someone with a startling number of i’s in his name, Tauiliili is a big concern for Tech this Saturday. Tauiliili is Duke’s middle linebacker and runs 5-11, 235. I spoke with center Dan Voss yesterday and he suspected he’s much heavier than that.
But anyway, he’s the leading tackler in the ACC and last week was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week after Duke beat Navy and he had 16 tackles, an interception, a caused fumble and a forced fumble.
Paul Johnson brought him up, along with fellow linebackers Vincent Rey and Marcus Jones, as three of Duke’s most impressive players at Tuesday’s press conference. All three of them started last year, also. They certainly seem like Duke’s strength; they might be the best linebacker group the in conference.
Which brings me to my question. You could argue that Tech’s linebackers, particularly because of their depth issues - notably Brad Jefferson being out since the opener - have been, if not a weakness, a place that the Jackets could use help.
If you could pick any player off any D-I roster to join Tech, who would it be? Personally, I think I might go with USC linebacker Rey Maualaga. Fast, hits hard and a playmaker.
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