AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 19
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Backup Shaw can get it done
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think everyone agrees that a healthy Josh Nesbitt is Tech’s best option at quarterback (no pun intended).
But Nesbitt is trying to come back from another sprained ankle, this time his left one. There’s a very real possibility we could see Jaybo Shaw.
I’ve heard some doom and gloom about whether the Jackets can win with Shaw. After outstanding performances against Mississippi State and Duke, the true freshman regressed against FSU.
Then came the North Carolina game.
Nesbitt was pulled after the first possession of the third quarter. Shaw came in and sparked the team. The Jackets were moving steadily until getting flagged for a chop block and holding on consecutive plays.
With the exception of Jonathan Dwyer’s 85-yard TD run with six minutes left, Shaw’s first drive was as good as the offense looked all day.
Here’s a recap of that drive, which started at Tech’s 20.
Dwyer 4-yard rush
Shaw 8-yard rush, first down
Shaw recovers his own fumble, no gain
Dwyer 2-yard rush
Shaw 9-yard rush on 3rd and 8, first down
Shaw 7-yard rush
Roddy Jones 21-yard rush on pitch from Shaw, first down at UNC 29
Dwyer 1-yard rush, chop block penalty on RG Joseph Gilbert
Dwyer 3-yard rush, holding penalty on WR Correy Earls
Shaw sacked for 5-yard loss
Roddy Jones 18-yard rush
Shaw 7-yard rush
Punt, touchback
We all know what happened next. The defense forces a punt, Roddy Jones fumbles it, and the Tar Heels score to make it 14-0. Shaw only got two more snaps. He was sacked on the first. On the second, he was hit from behind and fumbled. UNC recovered, scored again, and that was that.
Shaw is capable. He can get the ball to Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones when it needs to be dealt. He’s got to hold onto the ball (it should be noted the fumble against FSU wasn’t his fault). Tech can win on Thursday even if Nesbitt can’t go.
But it won’t matter who plays QB if the offensive line doesn’t block somebody. This is a banged-up, makeshift line playing without its starting tackles. The extra rest should help some, but how much?
Do you agree that Tech can beat Miami with Shaw?
