Fewer plays, more success for defense

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

While neither coach is satisfied, Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson and defensive coordinator Dave Wommack say the Yellow Jackets' defense has gotten better the past two weeks, particularly against the run.

The No. 11 Jackets (7-1) limited Virginia to 30 yards on 12 carries in Saturday's 34-9 win. On Oct. 17, Virginia Tech rushed for 175 yards, 88 of which came on two touchdown runs.

The improvement coincides with the decision two weeks ago, before the game against the Hokies, to simplify the defensive schemes. At the time, the Jackets were allowing an average of 135.5 rushing yards and 249.7 passing yards a game. Those averages are now down to 127.2 yards rushing and 228.1 yards passing. The improvement will need to continue against Vanderbilt (2-6) on Saturday in Nashville. The Commodores run for more yards than they pass, 174.8-148.2.

Stopping the run also has improved the Jackets in the red zone. The team has allowed one touchdown in six trips inside the 20-yard line in the past two games. They had allowed 12 in 21 trips in the season's first six games.

"If you can do that [not allow touchdowns], you usually have a pretty good chance to win the game," Johnson said.

Johnson and Wommack say some of the credit for the defense has to be given to the offense and the game-bleeding drives it has accomplished in the second half. To compare, the Jackets' defense was on the field an average of 63.5 plays in the season's first six games, compared with 44.5 during the past two.

"We're just taking pride in what we do," said linebacker Steven Sylvester, who has 13 tackles in the past two games. "Knowing that the guy with the ball is ultimately who we're going after. So if you get to him, everything else will fall in place."

So, while Georgia Tech's defense actually has shaved only one-tenth of a yard from its per-play season average (6.1 to 6.0) as a result of its success the past two games, Wommack and Johnson say they have seen some of what they had hoped to see.

"I can see the progress," Wommack said. "We're not close to being there yet, but I can see the progress."

Bryant award

Johnson said his nomination for the Bear Bryant Award, given annually to the nation's best college football coach, is more of a reflection on his players and assistants, than on him.

Johnson has won seven national coach of the year awards from various organizations at various levels during his 12 previous seasons as a head coach at Georgia Southern, Navy and Tech.

Injury update

Linebacker Julian Burnett should be able to play against Vanderbilt, Johnson said after Wednesday's practice.

Burnett hurt his knee in the win against Virginia Tech and didn't play last week against Virginia. The freshman has 23 tackles this season.