Georgia Tech wants improved third-down defense

Given the choice, Tech defensive coordinator Dave Wommack would prefer to lead the ACC in scoring defense than third-down conversion percentage.

But it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t mind being at the top in third-down percentage, either.

“We could really improve on that area,” Wommack said.

With the extra week to prepare for Saturday’s conference game against Duke, the Jackets’ defense devoted a lot of effort to improving on third down. Opponents are converting 43.8 percent of third downs against Tech, the second-highest rate in the ACC. The Blue Devils’ offense ranks second in converting third downs, hitting on 47.8 percent.

Tech, incidentally, is third in the ACC in scoring defense at 14.3 points per game.

The defense practiced various third-down distances, using different defenses against various offensive schemes.

“Right now, third down is going to be a big issue,” cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels said. “Making sure we get off the field is going to be one of our top goals on defense this game.”

That will mean defending quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, who is completing 61.3 percent of his passes and is averaging 218.5 yards per game, second-most in the ACC.

Said coach Paul Johnson, “What we’ve got to do is make sure we get some pressure on the quarterback and make sure that we hit him a few times.”

Quotable

“I hope I don’t have to eat my words, but I know we’ve improved as a defense the last two weeks. Coach Johnson has given us a chance to go back and work fundamentals and hone in on some things and hopefully tighten up some things. If it’ll carry over from the practice field to the game, I think we’re going to be a better defense.”

— Wommack on the Tech defense having two weeks off since their last game