Jackets ‘way more reslient’ than media, fans

Georgia Tech B-back Dedrick Mills eludes a tackle by Miami defensive back Jamal Carter Sr. in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Miami won 35-21 over the Georgia Tech. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech B-back Dedrick Mills eludes a tackle by Miami defensive back Jamal Carter Sr. in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Miami won 35-21 over the Georgia Tech. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Despondency has settled over some regions of the Georgia Tech fan base after the Yellow Jackets’ three-game losing streak. The team itself is holding out a little more hope for the remainder of the season.

“The team is way more resilient than (media members) and some of the fans,” coach Paul Johnson said following the team’s Wedneday practice. “The team’s playing. They just keep playing. Like we talked about after practice (Wednesday) – you put in so much time and effort, and you don’t get to play that many games. If you’re not excited to play in the games, something’s wrong with you.”

Tech plays Georgia Southern Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. With a win, the Jackets go into their open date at 4-3. If not, Tech will have back-to-back seasons with four-game losing streaks for the first time since 1987-88, coach Bobby Ross’ first two seasons at Tech.

Center Freddie Burden frames the midway point of the season more optimistically.

“We just have to get over that hump,” he said. “We’re just, like, right there. We’re almost there. Last week didn’t work out, so this week I’m challenging guys to get over that hump and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Burden acknowledged that the season has been rough and not been what he expected, but said the team remains confident.

“We know that we’re better than what has been shown on paper, so I think guys are ready to prove how good we can be or are,” Burden said.